Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
From around 40 years old and up, you might begin to notice that your hearing is starting to go. Your symptoms may develop gradually and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Typically, 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 cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so significant
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. When the blood flows quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time because of this. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. Cardiovascular problems, like a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is considered to be 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 emergency happens when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can contribute to irreversible hearing loss. According to some studies, the percentage of individuals 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 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?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. So-called “hot ears” aren’t a sign of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and grow red. Usually, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how would you know? It’s impossible to tell for sure without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus generally isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently called “the silent killer”.
The majority of individuals notice high blood pressure when they go in for an annual 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?
High blood pressure is usually caused by a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may call for a variety of approaches. In general, you should work with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully manage high blood pressure. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help lower your overall blood pressure.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Basically, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care doctor. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to indicate that reducing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be irreversible.
The faster your high blood pressure is lowered, 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 safeguard your hearing. This could include:
- Talk to us: Having your hearing tested regularly can help you maintain your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these locations aren’t entirely avoidable, limit your time in loud environments.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to make an appointment with us so we can help you manage your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.