Arterial hypertension is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system and is known to adversely affect multiple target organs, including the auditory analyser. Persistent elevation of arterial blood pressure contributes to vascular and neural alterations that may compromise cochlear function and auditory nerve transmission. This article explores the mechanisms underlying the development of tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss in patients with arterial hypertension, with particular emphasis on their clinical and audiological characteristics and preventive aspects.

The study involved patients with arterial hypertension who underwent clinical examination, ambulatory and office-based blood pressure monitoring, pure-tone and speech audiometry, tympanometry, and otoacoustic emission testing. The findings demonstrated that a substantial proportion of hypertensive patients experienced tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss, predominantly affecting high-frequency ranges. These auditory disturbances were closely associated with the severity of arterial hypertension, disease duration, and insufficient blood pressure control.

The results indicate that chronic haemodynamic instability and hypertension-related microangiopathic changes play a key role in the impairment of cochlear microcirculation and neural structures of the auditory pathway. Regular monitoring of arterial blood pressure combined with systematic audiological screening enables early identification of hearing-related complications and may help prevent further progression of auditory dysfunction in patients with arterial hypertension.

Arterial hypertension, arterial blood pressure, tinnitus, sensorineural hearing loss

World Health Organization. Hypertension. Geneva: WHO; 2023.

Williams B, Mancia G, Spiering W, et al. 2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. Eur Heart J. 2018;39(33):3021–3104.

Gates GA, Cobb JL, D’Agostino RB, Wolf PA. The relation of hearing loss to cardiovascular disease. JAMA. 1993;269(22):2859–2864.

Palatini P, Casiglia E, Ghiadoni L, et al. Hypertension and hearing loss: epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects. Hypertension. 2019;74(5):1126–1133.

Nondahl DM, Cruickshanks KJ, Dalton DS, et al. The impact of hypertension on tinnitus and hearing loss. Am J Epidemiol. 2011;174(11):1265–1273.

Ralli M, Greco A, Altissimi G, et al. Audiological findings in patients with arterial hypertension. Audiol Res. 2020;10(1):9–15.

Axelsson A, Lindgren F. Hypertension and noise-induced hearing loss. Acta Otolaryngol. 1985;100(5–6):362–366.

Shargorodsky J, Curhan SG, Eavey R, Curhan GC. Cardiovascular risk factors and hearing loss in adults. Am J Med. 2010;123(10):971–977.