Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
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. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? 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 rapidly blood runs through your circulatory system. When the blood flows faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular problems, like a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What is considered 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 considered a hypertensive crisis. This type of event should be treated immediately.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. Usually, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. The little hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can result in 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 extreme hearing loss. The findings of the research make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you prevent the impacts 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 doesn’t cause “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and become red. Normally, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related issues.
In some cases, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how would you know? The only way to know for sure is to talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
The majority of people notice high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and have their vitals taken. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Normally, there are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. As a result, you might have to take several different measures and use a variety of approaches to effectively lower your blood pressure. In general, you should work with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Essentially, avoid foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully treat high blood pressure. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help lower your overall blood pressure.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care doctor. 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 revive your hearing, at least in part. But at least some of the damage will probably be irreversible.
The sooner your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
Protecting your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. This could include:
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can cause damage to your ears. If you really need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
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 address your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.