Ringing In Ears While Doing Pushups

Ringing in the ears, properly known as tinnitus, is a widespread complaint. It affects approximately 1 in 5 Americans, according to the Mayo Clinic. For some, it's a permanent condition that will never go away. For others, it's an occasional irritation that crops up under certain circumstances. For example, some people experience tinnitus as the result of exercises such as pushups.

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TINNITIUS

Tinnitus isn't a disease or condition in itself, but a symptom that can result from a number of causes. Some are related to physical damage in the ears, caused by illness, trauma or loud noises. Other causes include vascular problems, neurological problems and reactions to specific medications. It is often aggravated by stress; and in a small number of people, it can cause depression and insomnia. Tinnitus is not usually considered serious; however, if it's accompanied by dizziness or nausea, it can signal a more serious underlying condition.

TINNITUS AND EXERCISE

Many health practitioners recommend exercise as a lifestyle modification that can help patients cope with tinnitus. Exercise has a number of potential benefits. Tinnitus can be worse in patients who are obese or have high blood pressure, and regular exercise helps with both conditions. Exercise also produces endorphins that counter the depressive effect of tinnitus and reduce stress levels that compound the problem. However, for some patients exercises such as pushups produce the opposite effect, aggravating tinnitus or causing short-term tinnitus. This happens for several potential reasons.

CIRCULATORY CAUSES

Some potential causes of tinnitus during pushup routines are centered around your circulatory system. Exercise elevates your heart rate and causes a stronger pulse throughout your body, especially if you already have high blood pressure. In and around your ears are a number of blood vessels, and if your tinnitus has a pulsing or rhythmic character this may be the cause. Artherosclerosis, or hardening of the blood vessels, can also cause or aggravate this effect. As the blood vessels lose elasticity, blood passes through them with greater force. This makes the pulse louder and can contribute to tinnitus.

OTHER CAUSES

A number of other factors can cause or aggravate tinnitus. Beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, colas and some energy drinks, can cause or increase the effect. Avoid consuming these until after your workout. Tobacco smoke has a similar effect, so avoid smoking. Pushups involve holding your neck rigidly in place, and it's possible that your tinnitus may be caused by a pinched nerve or other injury in your neck that's not obvious otherwise. This is especially likely if you experience tinnitus in just one ear.