Are you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss usually starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You probably won’t even detect your progressing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. Usually, it’s the outcome of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. When the blood flows faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time as a result. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. A blockage can lead to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure because of this.
What is considered 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 happens when your blood pressure is over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. The little hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia aren’t capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is irreversible.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. According to some research, the percentage of people who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. Those who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe hearing loss. The impacts 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 the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” aren’t a sign of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where your ears feel warm and get 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 exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? The only way to tell for certain is to speak with your doctor. 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”.
Most people notice high blood pressure when they go in for a yearly 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 treated?
Typically, there are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. As a result, you may have to take several different steps and use a variety of methods to successfully lower your blood pressure. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. In those instances, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have worked), medication might be necessary to help you control your hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower sodium alternatives if possible.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Essentially, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care physician. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to suggest that reducing your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least in part. But at least some of the damage will likely be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. This could include:
- Talk to us: Having your hearing tested regularly can help you preserve your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If you absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
We can help you preserve your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.