Are you aware that your risk 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 a permanent condition. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood runs through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Over time, this can cause damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. Cardiovascular problems, including a stroke, can be the consequence 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?
Here are the general ratings for high blood pressure:
- 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 treated immediately.
How can hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels in your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. According to some research, the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. Individuals who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe hearing loss. The findings of the study make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you prevent the effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. High blood pressure isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and become red. Normally, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how would you know? The only way to know for certain is to talk to your doctor. Tinnitus generally isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Usually, it’s not until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
Normally, there are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. As a result, you may have to take numerous different measures and use a variety of approaches to successfully lower your blood pressure. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or effectively treat high blood pressure. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Find lower salt alternatives when you can (or avoid processed foods when possible).
- 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.
You and your doctor will formulate a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? The answer depends. There is some evidence to suggest that lowering your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least in part. But at least some of the damage will most likely be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. Here are a number of ways:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If you absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
We can help you preserve your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.
