Are you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss usually begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms might progress slowly and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Usually, it’s the consequence of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss caused by 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 moves through your circulatory system. When the blood flows faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can create damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. A blockage can lead to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What is considered 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
A hypertensive emergency happens when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. Immediate treatment is needed when this occurs.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia aren’t able to self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is permanent.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. According to some research, the percentage of people who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. 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 effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely detectable. 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 grow red. Hot ears are usually caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not related to blood pressure.
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 isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently 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 make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is typically a result of a confluence of numerous different factors. As a result, you might have to take several different steps and use a variety of methods to effectively lower your blood pressure. In general, you should work with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower sodium alternatives when possible (or stay away from processed foods when possible).
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and avoid things like red meat.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully treat high blood pressure. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care doctor. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? The answer depends. You may be able to restore your hearing to some extent by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will likely be permanent.
The sooner your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. This could include:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these locations are not completely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so make an appointment right away.