Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
From about 40 years old and up, you may start to notice that your hearing is beginning to go. You probably won’t even notice your progressing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? 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 significant
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. When the blood flows faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can cause damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels grow less elastic and more prone to blockages. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Healthcare professionals tend to 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 is over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
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. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t able to self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is irreversible.
So regardless of the particular cause, permanent hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Research indicates that those who have healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. Individuals who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more extreme hearing loss. The findings of the study 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?
Normally, 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 get red. Usually, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
In some instances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? The only way to tell for sure is to talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a sign of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often referred to as “the silent killer”.
Typically, it isn’t until you get 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 treated?
Usually, there are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. As a result, you may have to take numerous different measures and use a variety of approaches to successfully lower your blood pressure. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or effectively manage high blood pressure. In those instances, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have helped), medication may be necessary to help you control your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Basically, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower salt alternatives when you can (or stay away from processed foods when you can).
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
You and your primary care provider will formulate a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. You might 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 harm incurred will be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recovering if you treat your blood pressure quickly.
Protecting your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to protect your hearing. Here are a few ways:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.