Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
From about 40 years old and up, you might begin to detect that your hearing is starting to go. Your symptoms might progress slowly and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? 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 various speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time because of this. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their elasticity and frequently become blocked. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What constitutes 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 goes as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive emergency. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels in your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. Usually, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively permanent.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Research indicates that people with normal blood pressure readings tend to have a far 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?
In the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. High blood pressure isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. 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 issues not related to blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how could you tell? It’s impossible to definitively tell without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
The majority of people notice 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 managed?
Normally, there are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Consequently, you may have to take several different measures and use a variety of methods to effectively lower your blood pressure. In general, you should talk with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by exercising regularly.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower sodium alternatives if possible.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. 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 formulated by your primary care doctor. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. You may be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some degree by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will most likely be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recovering if you address your blood pressure quickly.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. Here are several ways:
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these places aren’t completely avoidable, limit your time in noisy environments.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so make an appointment as soon as possible.
