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 develop slowly and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is irreversible. 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 lead to widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood runs through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Healthcare professionals usually pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
What constitutes high blood pressure?
The basic 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 crisis. Immediate treatment is needed when this happens.
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. Also, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can cause irreversible hearing loss. Studies found that those with healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. Individuals 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 prevent the effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely noticeable. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and become red. Usually, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? It’s impossible to definitively tell without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is not a sign of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer”.
The majority of individuals find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and get their vitals taken. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Typically, there are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure might call for a variety of approaches. In general, you should work with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if possible.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care physician. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? The answer depends. You might be able to rejuvenate 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 faster your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
How to safeguard 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 a few ways:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises when 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 maintain your hearing into the future, so make an appointment right away.