Were you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss normally starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You most likely won’t even detect your developing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible 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 cause widespread 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 quickly blood runs through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more rapidly than normal. Over time, this can lead to damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Healthcare professionals usually pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
What constitutes high blood pressure?
Here are the basic ratings for high blood pressure:
- Normal: 120/8o
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 or Higher/90 or higher
A hypertensive crisis occurs when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
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 suffer lasting damage. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). These stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is irreversible.
So regardless of the specific cause, permanent hearing loss can be the result of any damage. Studies found 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 extreme hearing loss. The findings of the research make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
In the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. High blood pressure isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where your ears feel warm and grow red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not associated with blood pressure.
In some instances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how could you tell? It’s impossible to tell for sure without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus generally isn’t 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 have your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. 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. Consequently, you might have to take several different steps and use a variety of methods to effectively lower your blood pressure. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Essentially, avoid foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or effectively manage high blood pressure. 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.
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help decrease 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? The answer depends. You may be able to restore your hearing to some extent by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recuperating if you address your blood pressure promptly.
How to protect your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can safeguard your hearing. 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: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these locations aren’t completely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to book an appointment with us so we can help you manage your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.