Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
From about 40 years old and up, you may start 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 irreversible. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. 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 important
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time because of this. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. Cardiovascular issues, such as a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is regarded as high blood pressure?
The general ratings for blood pressure include the following:
- 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 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 inside of your ear. Usually, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. The little hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can result in permanent hearing loss. Research indicates that individuals who have normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. Those who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more extreme hearing loss. The findings of the research make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
In the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where your ears feel warm and grow red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not associated with blood pressure.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how do you know if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? It’s impossible to definitively tell without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is not a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently referred to as “the silent killer”.
Typically, it’s not until you have your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
Usually, there are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Consequently, you may have to take several different measures 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. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower salt alternatives if possible.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by exercising regularly.
You and your primary care provider will develop a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? 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 it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
How to safeguard your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to protect your hearing. This could include:
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Talk to us: Getting your hearing screened regularly can help you preserve your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these locations aren’t entirely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so make an appointment as soon as possible.