Tinnitus is an abnormal sound perceived in the ears, such as buzzing, hissing, or cicada-like sounds, even in the absence of external noise.
Occasional tinnitus may be caused by factors like fatigue or noise, but persistent tinnitus, especially without obvious causes, should be taken seriously.
Tinnitus caused by a stroke is usually continuous and unaffected by the external environment. This may be due to obstructed blood flow to the inner ear, causing abnormal sounds as the ear tries to process the damaged signals.
Sudden tinnitus is also noteworthy, especially if accompanied by dizziness, headache, or blurred vision, as it may signal cerebrovascular disease. Unilateral tinnitus should be particularly heeded, as it is often unrelated to ear diseases but rather linked to an imbalance in brain blood supply.
Hearing loss is another important warning signal for ear health. Gradual hearing decline with age is normal, but rapid hearing loss, or hearing loss accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness or headache, may be a precursor to a stroke.
A stroke-induced insufficient blood supply to the brain can affect auditory nerve function, causing sudden hearing loss that cannot be alleviated even with a hearing aid.
Mild hearing loss may manifest as a feeling of ear blockage, making sounds seem muffled. When hearing loss is accompanied by ear congestion and discomfort, the risk of a stroke should be considered. In such cases, it is important to seek medical attention promptly for a comprehensive examination to rule out the possibility of a stroke.