Many individuals normally consider heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the primary health concerns associated with high blood pressure, also called hypertension. But did you know that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your danger for hearing loss, particularly as you age?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, generally begins to become noticeable in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might advance gradually and without noticeable symptoms, but the damage it causes is often permanent. In many instances, this type of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One significant but frequently ignored contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can harm the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you pay attention to?
Blood pressure is a measure of the strength of blood flow in your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts excessive strain on your blood vessels. Prolonged exposure to this condition can lead to vascular deterioration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn elevates the risk of developing severe health problems, including impaired hearing.
Comprehending blood pressure: breaking down two numerical components:
- The systolic reading, which is the higher number, indicates the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- The diastolic pressure, indicated by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
Blood pressure categories
- Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg
- Slightly High: Blood Pressure Ranges from 120-129 over Less Than 80
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Extreme Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 140/90 mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Consider beginning with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy basis.
- Get regular exercise: Attempt to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exersize per week.
- Minimize salt consumption by limiting processed and fast food eating, as they frequently incorporate high levels of salt.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If advised, consistently adhere to the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your physician.
- Reduce anxiety: Make time for calming activities including mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or quiet reflection to help you unwind and find balance in your day-to-day life.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, make sure to limit the time you spend around them. Don’t forget to use ear protection when you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Consider using protective gear for your ears, including earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to reduce the risks of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Schedule regular hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment results and long-term auditory health.
How high blood pressure can impact your ears
The ears are home to an intricate network of little blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When hypertension compromises these vessels, the ear structures– especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells known as stereocilia– can become damaged.
These stereocilia are responsible for converting sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Unfortunately, they do not regenerate once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage caused by high blood pressure is often permanent.
Scientific studies show a strong correlation between elevated blood pressure and the extent of hearing loss. Individuals with normal blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while those with hypertension are at an increased danger for both developing and worsening hearing loss.
Can ear pain be a sign of high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular damage it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with obvious symptoms. It is commonly referred to as the “silent killer” because of this. Many individuals wrongly believe that sensations such as warm ears or pressure in the ears are signs of high blood pressure. Actually, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional reactions.
However, some individuals with hypertension do report intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or notice any changes in your hearing, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a thorough examination to determine the cause.
How to manage blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be controlled by making changes to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the additional benefit of protecting your hearing or halting its decline.
Tips for lowering blood pressure
Managing blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally vital to take preventive measures to safeguard your hearing health.
Protecting your hearing: essential steps
Besides managing your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in protecting your hearing:
Worried about hearing loss and blood pressure? Take action
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing indications of hearing difficulty– such as frequently asking others to repeat what they said, struggling to hear conversations in loud locations, or turning up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act quickly as early action can have a substantial impact.
Reach out to us now to start the journey to improved hearing