Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss usually begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms could advance slowly and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more rapidly than normal. Over time, this can cause damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is considered to be high blood pressure?
Here are the basic ratings for high blood pressure:
- Normal: 120/8o
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 or Higher/90 or higher
A hypertensive emergency occurs when your blood pressure is over 180/120. Immediate treatment is needed when this happens.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. Usually, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Studies found that individuals who have healthy 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 effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be decreased by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely noticeable. 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 worsen symptoms of tinnitus. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? The only way to know for certain is to talk to your doctor. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Usually, it’s not until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. It’s a good reason to make sure you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is usually due to a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure might call for a variety of strategies. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid things like red meat.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some instances, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
You and your primary care provider will establish a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? The answer depends. There is some evidence to indicate that decreasing your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least partially. But at least some of the damage will likely be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recuperating if you address your blood pressure quickly.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. Here are a number of ways:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If you really need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so make an appointment as soon as possible.