Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
From about 40 years old and up, you might begin to notice that your hearing is beginning to go. Your symptoms might advance gradually and be largely invisible, but this kind 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 cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood flows through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time because of this. These damaged vessels grow less elastic and more prone to blockages. A blockage can lead to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. 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
When your blood pressure gets as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive crisis. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels in 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. Also, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. Research indicates that people who have healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. 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 avoid the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
In most 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. Typically, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how could you tell? It’s impossible to tell for sure without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often referred to as “the silent killer”.
The majority of individuals find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for a yearly exam and have their vitals taken. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Usually, there are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure may call for a variety of strategies. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when you can and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and avoid things like red meat.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or successfully treat high blood pressure. In those cases, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have worked), medication could be necessary to help you control your hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help lower your overall blood pressure.
You and your doctor will establish a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. 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 probably be irreversible.
The sooner your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
How to safeguard your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can protect your hearing. Here are several ways:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- 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 you really need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
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 address your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.