Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
From around 40 years old and up, you might begin to detect that your hearing is starting to fail. Your symptoms could advance gradually and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Usually, it’s the result of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? The blood vessels in your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
Blood pressure and why it’s so significant
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time as a result. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is considered to be 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 goes as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive emergency. This kind of event should be dealt with immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also endure lasting damage. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can cause irreversible hearing loss. According to some research, the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. Those who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe hearing loss. The effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be reduced by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly noticeable. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where your ears feel warm and get red. Usually, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
In some cases, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? It’s impossible to tell for sure without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is not a sign of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Most people find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and get their vitals taken. It’s a good reason to make sure you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
High blood pressure is usually due to a confluence of numerous different factors. 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 might look like the following:
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Essentially, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. In those cases, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have worked), medication may be needed to help you manage your hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower sodium alternatives when you can (or stay away from processed foods when you can).
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
You and your doctor will establish a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to indicate that decreasing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least in part. But at least some of the damage will probably be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recuperating if you address your blood pressure promptly.
Protecting your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can undoubtedly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can protect your hearing. Here are several ways:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can cause damage to your ears. If you absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
We can help you preserve your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.