Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
From around 40 years old and up, you may start to notice that your hearing is beginning to go. Your symptoms may progress slowly and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Usually, it’s the result of many years of noise-related damage. So how does hypertension cause hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time as a result. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their elasticity and frequently become blocked. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What is considered 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 emergency. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also endure lasting damage. The little 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.
So regardless of the specific cause, permanent hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Research indicates that individuals who have healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. Individuals who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The findings of the study make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly noticeable. So-called “hot ears” aren’t a sign of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and get red. Usually, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how do you know if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? The only way to tell for sure is to speak with your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus is not a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently called “the silent killer”.
Usually, it isn’t until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
High blood pressure is typically due to a confluence of numerous different factors. Consequently, you may have to take numerous different steps 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. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or effectively manage high blood pressure. Although 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: Take note of the amount of sodium in your food, particularly processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if 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.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care physician. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. You may be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some degree by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will most likely be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recovering if you treat your blood pressure quickly.
How to protect your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. This could include:
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these locations aren’t entirely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to book an appointment with us so we can help you treat your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.