Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
From around 40 years old and up, you might start to notice that your hearing is starting to go. Your symptoms might develop gradually and be largely invisible, but this type of hearing loss is permanent. Usually, it’s the outcome of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so significant
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood flows through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time because of this. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. Cardiovascular problems, including a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is regarded as high blood pressure?
The general ratings for blood pressure include the following:
- Normal: 120/8o
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 or Higher/90 or higher
When your blood pressure gets as high as 180/120, it’s regarded as a hypertensive crisis. This kind of event should be addressed immediately.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. Normally, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. According to some studies, the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. Those who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more extreme hearing loss. The findings of the research make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. So-called “hot ears” are not an indication of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and grow red. Typically, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related problems.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how could you tell? It’s impossible to tell for sure without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is not a sign of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often referred to as “the silent killer”.
The majority of individuals find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and have their vitals taken. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Normally, there are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure might require a variety of approaches. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some instances, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Find lower sodium alternatives when possible (or avoid processed foods when you can).
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by exercising regularly.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care physician. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? The answer depends. There is some evidence to suggest that decreasing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least in part. But at least some of the damage will likely be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. This could include:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can cause damage to your ears. If these places aren’t entirely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to book an appointment with us so we can help you treat your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.