When the majority of people think of the dangers linked to high blood pressure– also called hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. Were you aware that not managing high blood pressure could also heighten the likelihood of experiencing hearing loss, particularly as you grow older?
Presbycusis, also called age-related hearing loss, normally begins to become evident in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It may progress gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it causes is often permanent. In many instances, this type of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One significant but often ignored contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can harm the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you care?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood moving through your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause strain to your blood vessels. With time, this can cause the vessels to stiffen, narrow, or become damaged, increasing your risk for serious health issues– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) determines the pressure during heartbeats.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) gauges pressure between beats.
Categories of blood pressure
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 hypertension is characterized as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Extreme Hypertension: Blood Pressure Over 140/90 mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Emphasize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Consider starting with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy foundation.
- Get regular exercise: Attempt to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exersize per week.
- Decrease salt intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are typically high in sodium.
- Stick to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently follow the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Minimize stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your day-to-day regimen.
- Steer clear of prolonged exposure to loud noise: Use ear protection when attending concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in noisy settings.
- Use hearing protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can reduce the risk of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Schedule routine hearing exams: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment outcomes and long-term auditory health.
How high blood pressure can affect your ears
A delicate web of miniature blood vessels exists within the ears, providing the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to work effectively. When high blood pressure impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, may suffer damage.
These stereocilia are responsible for converting sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Unfortunately, they do not regrow once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is usually permanent.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely connected to the level of hearing impairment according to scientific research. Individuals with healthy blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while individuals with hypertension are at greater risk for both developing and worsening hearing loss.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
Although high blood pressure can lead to considerable blood vessel damage, it often does not manifest obvious warning signs. It is often called the “silent killer” because of this. Many people falsly think that sensations like warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of high blood pressure. It’s probable that these symptoms are actually the outcome of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional reactions.
Certain people with high blood pressure might experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, identified by a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. If you have chronic tinnitus or suspect hearing changes, it’s important to consult a hearing care professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
How to regulate blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
Blood pressure can usually be regulated by making alterations to one’s lifestyle and receiving medical care. Reducing your blood pressure may even help preserve your hearing or prevent further degeneration.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
While managing hypertension is important, it’s also important to take practical measures to protect your hearing.
Steps to protect your hearing health
Along with controlling your blood pressure, the following practices can help you protect your hearing:
Worried about the possible threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you are dealing with high blood pressure and are noticing issues with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves frequently, finding it difficult to hear in loud environments, or needing to increase the volume on your devices, it is important to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your auditory well-being is important. Act promptly as early action can have a substantial impact.
Reach out to us right now to begin the journey to improved hearing