Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss normally starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms may develop gradually and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Usually, it’s the outcome of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? 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 rapidly than normal. Over time, this can cause damage to your blood vessels. 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.
What constitutes high blood pressure?
The general 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
A hypertensive emergency happens when your blood pressure is over 180/120. This type of event should be treated immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. The little hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia aren’t capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. According to some studies, the percentage of people 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 severe hearing loss. The effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be reduced by keeping blood pressure under control.
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” are not an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and get red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not related to blood pressure.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how do you know if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? It’s impossible to definitively tell without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Typically, it isn’t until you have 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 can you lower your blood pressure?
Normally, there are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Consequently, you may have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of approaches to successfully lower your blood pressure. In general, you should work with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- 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 situations, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. In those cases, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have worked), medication could be necessary to help you manage your 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 reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and veggies and avoid things like red meat.
You and your primary care provider will establish a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. 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. You might be able to restore your hearing to some extent by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will most likely be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recuperating if you treat your blood pressure promptly.
Protecting your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can safeguard your hearing. Here are a number of ways:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you really need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
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.