Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss typically starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms may advance slowly and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The blood vessels inside of your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time as a result. 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 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 goes as high as 180/120, it’s regarded as a hypertensive emergency. This kind of event should be treated immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can contribute to irreversible hearing loss. Research indicates that people who have healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. Individuals who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe hearing loss. The effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be reduced by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. So-called “hot ears” aren’t a sign of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and become red. Hot ears are usually caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not associated with blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen symptoms of tinnitus. But how can you tell if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? It’s impossible to tell for sure without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Usually, it isn’t until you have your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Usually, there are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure may require a variety of approaches. In general, you should work with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, high blood pressure can’t be addressed 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 control hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and abstain from things like red meat.
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help lower your overall blood pressure.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Find lower salt alternatives when possible (or stay away from processed foods when possible).
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? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to indicate that decreasing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be irreversible.
The sooner your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
How to safeguard your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. This could include:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you really need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so book an appointment right away.