Are you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
From around 40 years old and up, you may begin to detect that your hearing is beginning to go. Your symptoms may advance slowly and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood flows through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves 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. Cardiovascular problems, including a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. Healthcare professionals usually pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure because of this.
What is considered 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
When your blood pressure gets as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive crisis. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels in your ear and your entire 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. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can result in permanent hearing loss. Studies found 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?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely detectable. High blood pressure isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and get red. Hot ears are usually caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not associated with blood pressure.
In some cases, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how do you know if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? The only way to tell for certain is to talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer”.
Typically, it isn’t until you have your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure is normally caused by a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure might require a variety of strategies. In general, you should work with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully treat high blood pressure. In those instances, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication may be required to help you manage your hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Essentially, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by getting regular exercise.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care physician. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? The answer depends. You might be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some extent by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Protecting your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can definitely be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can safeguard your hearing. Here are several ways:
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If you really need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing tested regularly can help you preserve your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
We can help you preserve your hearing into the future, so make an appointment right away.
