Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss typically starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You most likely won’t even notice your progressing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. 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 cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at various 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 grow less flexible and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular problems, such as a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is regarded as high blood pressure?
The basic 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
When your blood pressure goes as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive emergency. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. Usually, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. Also, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). These stereocilia are not able to self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
So regardless of the specific cause, permanent hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Research indicates that those with healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. People who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The findings of the research 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?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and get red. Typically, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how do you know if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? The only way to know for certain is to talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a sign of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Most individuals find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and get their vitals taken. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Normally, there are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. As a result, you might have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of methods to effectively lower your blood pressure. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Essentially, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Avoid processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by exercising regularly.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully treat high blood pressure. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
You and your primary care provider will formulate a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to suggest that lowering your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be irreversible.
The faster your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
Protecting your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can undoubtedly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to protect your hearing. Here are a few ways:
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.
