Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss normally starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms might advance slowly and be largely invisible, but this type of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to extensive 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 moves through your circulatory system. When the blood moves quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. Cardiovascular problems, including a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals often 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
A hypertensive crisis 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 inside of 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. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively impact 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 result in irreversible hearing loss. According to some research, the percentage of people who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. People who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. 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?
In most cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” are not an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and become red. Hot ears are usually caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not related to blood pressure.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how do you know if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? 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. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently referred to as “the silent killer”.
The majority of individuals notice high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and have their vitals taken. It’s a good reason to make sure you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
Normally, there are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Consequently, you may have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of approaches to effectively lower your blood pressure. 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 instances, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. In those instances, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have helped), medication could be needed to help you control your 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: Keep your eye on the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower sodium alternatives if possible.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by getting regular exercise.
You and your doctor will establish a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to suggest that decreasing your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least in part. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recuperating if you address your blood pressure promptly.
Protecting your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can definitely be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can protect your hearing. This could include:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If these places are not entirely avoidable, limit your time in noisy environments.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so make an appointment right away.