Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss typically starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You probably won’t even detect your developing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Typically, it’s the consequence of many years of noise-related damage. So how does hypertension cause hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to widespread 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 different speeds. When the blood moves quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time because of this. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. Cardiovascular issues, including a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. Healthcare professionals tend to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
What constitutes high blood pressure?
The basic 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
A hypertensive emergency happens when your blood pressure is over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your entire 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 sensing vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can cause permanent hearing loss. According to some studies, the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. 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 prevent the effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely detectable. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and get red. Typically, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? The only way to tell for certain is to talk to your doctor. Tinnitus generally isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Most people notice high blood pressure when they go in for a yearly exam and get their vitals taken. 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 various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure may call for a variety of strategies. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Find lower salt alternatives when you can (or avoid processed foods when you can).
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or successfully manage high blood pressure. In those cases, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have worked), medication might be required to help you manage your hypertension.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care doctor. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. There is some evidence to indicate that decreasing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But at least some of the damage will likely be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recovering if you treat your blood pressure quickly.
Safeguarding 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 protected and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these locations aren’t entirely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
We can help you preserve your hearing into the future, so make an appointment as soon as possible.