Were 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 developing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how does hypertension cause 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. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time because of this. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their elasticity and often become blocked. Cardiovascular issues, like a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is regarded as 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
When your blood pressure goes as high as 180/120, it’s regarded as a hypertensive emergency. This type of event should be treated immediately.
How can hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia aren’t able to self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. According to some studies, the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. People who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more extreme hearing loss. The findings of the study make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. High blood pressure isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. 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 if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how could you tell? The only way to tell for sure is to speak with your doctor. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
The majority of people 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 can you lower your blood pressure?
Usually, there are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure might require a variety of approaches. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or effectively treat high blood pressure. In those instances, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication might be required to help you manage your hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and abstain from things like red meat.
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help lower your overall blood pressure.
You and your primary care provider will establish a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? The answer depends. You may 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 probably be irreversible.
The sooner your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
Safeguarding 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 number of ways:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If these places aren’t entirely avoidable, minimize your time in loud environments.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to make an appointment with us so we can help you treat your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.