Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss typically begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You probably won’t even detect your progressing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how is hearing loss caused by 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
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 damaged vessels grow less flexible and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular issues, including a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. Healthcare professionals usually pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure for this reason.
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 emergency. Immediate treatment is needed when this happens.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. Also, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). These stereocilia are not able to self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can result in irreversible hearing loss. Research indicates that people with healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a much 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?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. So-called “hot ears” are not a sign of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and grow red. Normally, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related issues.
In some instances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? The only way to know for certain is to talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus is not a sign of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently referred to as “the silent killer”.
Typically, it’s not 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?
Typically, there are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure may require a variety of strategies. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Find lower sodium alternatives when possible (or stay away from processed foods when possible).
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Basically, 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. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
You and your doctor will formulate a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. 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 reducing your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least in part. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recovering if you address your blood pressure quickly.
How to protect your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. Here are a number of ways:
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If you absolutely 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 maintained and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
We can help you preserve your hearing into the future, so book an appointment right away.