Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss normally begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You probably won’t even detect your progressing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. Typically, it’s the result of many years of noise-related damage. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more rapidly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time as a result. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Healthcare professionals usually pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure because of this.
So, what is regarded as 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 occurs when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
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 get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also endure lasting damage. Also, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the result of any damage. 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 extreme hearing loss. The impacts of hearing loss, in other words, can be decreased by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely noticeable. High blood pressure isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and grow red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not related to blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how do you know if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? It’s impossible to tell for sure 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.
Usually, it’s not until you have 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 is high blood pressure managed?
Typically, 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. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Essentially, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully manage high blood pressure. In those cases, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication could be needed to help you manage your hypertension.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care physician. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? The answer depends. You might be able to restore your hearing to some extent by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be irreversible.
The faster your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
Protecting 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. This could include:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved 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 limit 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 manage your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.