Are you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
From around 40 years old and up, you might begin to detect that your hearing is beginning to fail. Your symptoms might progress gradually and be largely invisible, but this type of hearing loss is irreversible. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how does hypertension cause hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to widespread 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 rapidly blood moves through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time because of this. 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 frequently 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 crisis happens when your blood pressure is over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
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 suffer lasting damage. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. Studies found that those with normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. People who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe hearing loss. The effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be decreased by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely detectable. High blood pressure isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and become red. Normally, 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 could you tell? The only way to tell for certain is to speak with 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.
Usually, it isn’t until you have your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure is usually caused by a confluence of various different factors. Consequently, you might have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of approaches to effectively lower your blood pressure. In general, you should work with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some instances, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. In those cases, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have helped), medication could be needed to help you control your hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
You and your primary care provider will formulate a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. You may be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some degree by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recuperating if you treat your blood pressure promptly.
How to protect your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can undoubtedly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to safeguard your hearing. Here are a number of ways:
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If these locations aren’t entirely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so book an appointment right away.
