Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss normally begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms might progress gradually and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is irreversible. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The blood vessels inside of your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
Blood pressure and why it’s so significant
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood flows through your circulatory system. When the blood moves quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time because of this. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. Cardiovascular issues, including a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure because of this.
So, what is considered to be 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
A hypertensive emergency happens when your blood pressure is over 180/120. Immediate treatment is needed when this happens.
How can hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels in your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. Normally, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. Studies found that people with normal blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. Those who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe 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 feel like in your ears?
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 usually caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not associated with blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how could you tell? The only way to know for certain is to talk to your doctor. 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”.
Most people notice high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and have their vitals taken. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
High blood pressure is normally due to a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may call for a variety of approaches. In general, you should talk with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. In those instances, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication may be necessary to help you manage your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Basically, avoid foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Find lower salt alternatives when possible (or stay away from processed foods when you can).
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help lower your overall blood pressure.
You and your doctor will establish a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. You might be able to restore 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 permanent.
The sooner 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 definitely be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to protect your hearing. Here are several ways:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these settings aren’t entirely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
- Talk to us: Getting your hearing screened regularly can help you preserve your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
- 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.