Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
From around 40 years old and up, you might begin to notice that your hearing is beginning to fail. Your symptoms could progress gradually and be largely invisible, but this type of hearing loss is irreversible. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can cause extensive 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 result in damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels grow less flexible and more prone to blockages. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to 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 considered a hypertensive emergency. This type of event should be treated immediately.
How can 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. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia are not able to self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is permanent.
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 study make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you prevent the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely noticeable. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and get red. Normally, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related issues.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how would you know? The only way to know for certain is to speak with your doctor. Tinnitus generally isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently referred to as “the silent killer”.
Most individuals find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and have their vitals taken. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Normally, there are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure might require a variety of approaches. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or effectively treat high blood pressure. In those instances, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication may be needed to help you control your hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by exercising regularly.
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower sodium alternatives when you can (or stay away from processed foods when possible).
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Basically, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care doctor. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? The answer depends. There is some evidence to indicate that decreasing your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recovering if you address your blood pressure promptly.
How to protect your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. Here are a number of ways:
- Talk to us: Getting your hearing screened regularly can help you protect your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you really need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so make an appointment as soon as possible.