When the majority of individuals think of the dangers linked to high blood pressure– also called hypertension– they tend to focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your danger for hearing loss, particularly as you age?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, typically starts to show signs in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It may advance gradually and without noticeable symptoms, but the damage it creates is often permanent. In many instances, this type of hearing loss derives from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. An important but frequently neglected factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to destroy the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it significant to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood moving through your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause stress to your blood vessels. Prolonged exposure to this condition can lead to vascular deterioration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn elevates the danger of developing severe health complications, including impaired hearing.
Comprehending blood pressure: breaking down two numerical components:
- The systolic reading, which is the top number, signifies the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- The diastolic pressure, indicated by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
Blood pressure categories
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 hypertension is defined as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Take advantage of a diet that supports heart health by emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is an excellent place to start.
- Try to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes every week to maintain regular exercise.
- Minimize salt consumption by limiting processed and fast food eating, as they frequently contain high levels of sodium.
- Comply with medication instructions: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your physician.
- Reduce stress: Make time for calming activities such as mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or quiet reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your daily life.
- To prevent harm from loud noises, make sure to restrict the time you spend around them. Don’t forget to use ear protection when you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Think about using protective gear for your ears, including earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to lower the risks of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Regular exams with a hearing specialist can significantly enhance the success of treatment and total ear health by catching any potential issues early on.
How high blood pressure can affect your ears
A delicate web of miniature blood vessels exists within the ears, supplying the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to function effectively. When high blood pressure impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and small sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, might sustain harm.
The stereocilia play a crucial role in converting sound waves into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain. Regrettably, once they are damaged, they do not have the ability to heal themselves. Therefore, hearing impairment resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is frequently irreversible.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely linked to the degree of hearing impairment according to scientific research. People who have healthy blood pressure levels are more likely to preserve their hearing abilities as they age, whereas those who have high blood pressure are more prone to experiencing hearing loss that can worsen over time.
Is ear soreness a sign of high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular damage it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with noticeable symptoms. It is commonly referred to as the “silent killer” because of this. Many people falsly think that feelings like warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of elevated blood pressure. In reality, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional responses.
Certain people with high blood pressure might experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, identified by a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any changes in your hearing, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a detailed assessment to determine the cause.
Managing blood pressure and protecting your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can typically be controlled through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the additional benefit of protecting your hearing or halting its decline.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
While managing hypertension is important, it’s also crucial to take practical measures to safeguard your hearing.
Safeguarding your hearing: essential measures
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in protecting your hearing:
Concerned about hearing loss and blood pressure? Take action
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension and are experiencing indications of hearing difficulty– including regularly asking people to repeat what they said, struggling to hear conversations in loud locations, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act quickly as early intervention can have a significant impact.
Reach out to us now to start the journey to better hearing