Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss normally starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms could progress gradually and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is irreversible. Usually, it’s the result of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The blood vessels inside of your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood runs through your circulatory system. When the blood moves faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. 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. Cardiovascular issues, including a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals frequently 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 gets as high as 180/120, it’s regarded as a hypertensive emergency. This type of event should be dealt with immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels in your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also endure lasting damage. Also, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t able to self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can result in irreversible hearing loss. Studies found that those with healthy 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 prevent the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly noticeable. So-called “hot ears” are not an indication of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where 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 associated with blood pressure.
In some instances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how would you know? It’s impossible to tell for sure without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Most individuals find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for a yearly exam and have their vitals taken. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Typically, there are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. As a result, you might have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of approaches to successfully 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:
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if possible.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or effectively manage high blood pressure. In those instances, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have helped), medication could be required to help you control your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Basically, avoid foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care doctor. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. There is some evidence to suggest that reducing your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be irreversible.
The sooner your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Protecting your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to safeguard your hearing. Here are a number of ways:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If these places aren’t completely avoidable, limit your time in noisy environments.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
We can help you preserve your hearing into the future, so book an appointment right away.
