Were you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss usually begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You probably won’t even notice your progressing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. Typically, it’s the consequence of many years of noise-related damage. So how does hypertension cause hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood moves through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more rapidly than normal. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their elasticity and often become blocked. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is regarded as high blood pressure?
Here are the basic ratings for high blood pressure:
- Normal: 120/8o
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 or Higher/90 or higher
A hypertensive emergency happens when your blood pressure is over 180/120. This kind of event should be addressed immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels in your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also endure lasting damage. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t able to self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is permanent.
So regardless of the specific cause, permanent hearing loss can be the result of any damage. According to some studies, the percentage of people who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. People who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more extreme hearing loss. The effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be reduced by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly noticeable. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and get red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not associated with blood pressure.
In some cases, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how could you tell? The only way to tell for sure is to speak with your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer”.
The majority of individuals find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and get their vitals taken. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
High blood pressure is typically due to a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may require a variety of approaches. In general, you should work with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by exercising regularly.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Basically, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care doctor. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? The answer depends. You may be able to restore your hearing to some degree by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recuperating if you treat your blood pressure promptly.
How to safeguard your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to protect your hearing. This could include:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If these settings aren’t completely avoidable, limit your time in loud environments.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing tested regularly can help you protect your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
We can help you preserve your hearing into the future, so book an appointment right away.