Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss typically begins 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. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how does hypertension cause hearing loss? The blood vessels in your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. When the blood moves quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can create damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their elasticity and frequently become blocked. Cardiovascular issues, such as a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. Healthcare professionals tend to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure for this reason.
So, what is regarded as high blood pressure?
Here are the general 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 crisis occurs when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels in your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. Normally, 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 negatively impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively permanent.
So regardless of the specific cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. According to some studies, the percentage of people who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. Individuals who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more extreme hearing loss. The findings of the research make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you prevent the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and grow red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not associated with blood pressure.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how would you know? The only way to tell for certain 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.
Usually, it’s not until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Typically, there are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. As a result, you may have to take several different measures and use a variety of approaches to successfully lower your blood pressure. In general, you should work with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Basically, avoid foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some instances, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when you can and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care doctor. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. There is some evidence to indicate that lowering 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 permanent.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recovering if you address your blood pressure promptly.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. Here are several ways:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you really need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so make an appointment as soon as possible.
