Are you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss usually begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms might progress gradually and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is irreversible. Usually, it’s the outcome of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of 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 important
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood flows through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more rapidly than normal. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their flexibility and often become blocked. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Healthcare professionals usually pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure for this reason.
What constitutes high blood pressure?
The basic 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 goes over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. Normally, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. The little hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively permanent.
So regardless of the specific cause, permanent hearing loss can be the result of any damage. Research indicates that individuals with normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. Individuals who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The findings of the study make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “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.
In some circumstances, 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 certain is to talk to your doctor. Tinnitus generally isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently called “the silent killer”.
Typically, it isn’t until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is normally due to a confluence of many different factors. As a result, you might have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of methods to effectively lower your blood pressure. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by exercising regularly.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and abstain from things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Find lower salt alternatives when possible (or stay away from processed foods when you can).
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully treat high blood pressure. In those instances, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have worked), medication might be required to help you control your hypertension.
You and your primary care provider will formulate a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? The answer depends. There is some evidence to suggest that reducing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be irreversible.
The sooner your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. This could include:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If you absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so make an appointment as soon as possible.
