Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss usually begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You probably won’t even notice your developing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Typically, it’s the outcome of many years of noise-related damage. 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
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood runs through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their elasticity and often become blocked. A blockage can lead to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What is considered 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 occurs when your blood pressure is over 180/120. This kind of event should be dealt with immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also endure lasting damage. The little hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia are not able to self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can result in irreversible hearing loss. Research indicates that individuals with normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. People who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The findings of the research make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you prevent the effects 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. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and get red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not related to blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen symptoms of tinnitus. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how could you tell? The only way to know for certain is to talk to your doctor. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Typically, it isn’t until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure is usually a result of a confluence of many different factors. As a result, you might have to take numerous different measures and use a variety of methods to successfully lower your blood pressure. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help reduce 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 vegetables and fruits.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Find lower salt alternatives when you can (or avoid processed foods when you can).
- Take medication as prescribed: In some instances, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care physician. 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 restore your hearing, at least partially. But at least some of the damage will most likely be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recuperating if you treat your blood pressure promptly.
How to safeguard your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. This could include:
- 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 these places aren’t entirely avoidable, limit your time in noisy environments.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing screened regularly can help you maintain your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to book an appointment with us so we can help you treat your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.