When most people think of the risks associated with high blood pressure– also called hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. Were you aware that not controlling high blood pressure could also increase the probability of experiencing hearing impairment, particularly as you grow older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, usually starts to show indicators in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It may progress gradually and without noticeable symptoms, but the damage it causes is usually permanent. Age-related hearing loss frequently results from prolonged exposure to sound, resulting in slow degeneration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. One considerable 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 pay attention to?
Blood pressure is a measure of the strength of blood flow in your arteries. When this pressure is persistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. Prolonged exposure to this condition can result in arterial degeneration, causing the blood vessels to become rigid, constricted, or compromised, which in turn raises the danger of developing severe health complications, including impaired hearing.
Understanding blood pressure: analyzing two numerical components:
- The systolic reading, which is the higher number, signifies the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures pressure between beats.
Categories of blood pressure
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 hypertension is defined as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Embrace a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Consider beginning with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy foundation.
- Strive to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Decrease sodium intake: Limit processed and fast foods, which are typically high in salt.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If advised, consistently adhere to the instructions for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your physician.
- Minimize stress: Incorporate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily regimen.
- To prevent harm from loud noises, be certain to restrict the time you spend around them. Remember to use hearing protection when you are at a concert, working with loud machinery, or in loud settings.
- Think about using protective gear for your ears, including earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to lower the chances of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Regular exams with a hearing specialist can dramatically enhance the success of treatment and overall ear health by catching any potential issues early on.
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 needs to function effectively. When high blood pressure affects these vessels, the structures in the ear, especially the cochlea and small sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, may sustain harm.
The stereocilia play a critical role in transforming sound waves into electrical signals that can be understood by the brain. Sadly, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to restore themselves. Therefore, hearing impairment resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is frequently irreversible.
Scientific studies show a strong connection between elevated blood pressure and the severity of hearing loss. People who have healthy blood pressure levels are more likely to preserve their hearing abilities as they age, whereas those who have high blood pressure are more prone to experiencing hearing loss that can worsen over time.
Is ear soreness a symptom of high blood pressure?
Even though high blood pressure can cause significant blood vessel damage, it frequently does not manifest noticeable warning signs. It is commonly called the “silent killer” for this reason. A prevalent myth is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure suggest high blood pressure. Actually, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional responses.
However, some people with hypertension do experience intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or notice any changes in your hearing, it’s crucial to make an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a detailed assessment to identify the cause.
Managing blood pressure and protecting your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be regulated by making changes to one’s lifestyle and receiving medical care. Reducing your blood pressure might even help preserve your hearing or prevent further degeneration.
Tips for lowering blood pressure
While treating hypertension is essential, it’s also crucial to take practical measures to safeguard your hearing.
Steps to safeguard your hearing health
In addition to managing your blood pressure, the following habits can help you safeguard your hearing:
Worried about the possible threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing problems with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves often, finding it hard to hear in loud settings, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is important to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early treatment can make a significant difference.
Reach out to us today to take the first step toward better hearing.