Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
From about 40 years old and up, you might start to detect that your hearing is starting to fail. Your symptoms may progress gradually and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is irreversible. 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 moves more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time because of this. These damaged vessels become less elastic and more prone to blockages. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is considered to be 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 gets as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive emergency. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. Normally, 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 capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is permanent.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the result of any damage. Research indicates that people who have normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. Individuals who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The findings of the study make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you prevent the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
In the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where your ears feel warm and get red. Typically, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related problems.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen symptoms of tinnitus. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how would you know? It’s impossible to definitively tell without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often referred to as “the silent killer”.
Typically, 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 be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is usually a result of a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may require a variety of strategies. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Basically, avoid foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- 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 cases where lifestyle changes have helped), medication might be necessary to help you manage your hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower salt alternatives if possible.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care doctor. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? The answer depends. You might be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some degree by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will likely be permanent.
The sooner your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Safeguarding 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 a few ways:
- Talk to us: Having your hearing tested regularly can help you preserve your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you absolutely need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
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 safeguard your hearing health.