The effects of stress on auditory system: a narrative review

Abstract

Background: Stress is an integral part of human life, small amounts of which can be effective in adapting to conditions, while its continuous increase is a predisposing factor for all diseases. The aim of this article is to determine the effect of stress on auditory system. The full text of 51 articles published between 2000 and 2023 was extracted from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Sciences websites and became the source of this research. Results: Positive and negative emotions cause the release of stress hormones that affect all human cognitive behaviors, perceptions, and peripheral senses. They can have destructive effects on the functioning of the auditory system. Conclusion: Abnormal release of stress hormones can increase susceptibility to hearing disorders. A healthy lifestyle is essential to reduce the harmful effects of stress. The most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle are regular and uninterrupted night sleep, drinking enough water, avoiding high amounts of caffeine, a Mediterranean diet, staying away from noise/light/industrial pollution and social crimes, listening to relaxing music and doing movements in harmony with their rhythm, laughing constantly, writing down negative emotions, having true love in life, deep emotional connections with kind people, and receiving positive energy from their intentions.