Were you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
From around 40 years old and up, you might begin to detect that your hearing is starting to go. Your symptoms might advance gradually and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is irreversible. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how does hypertension cause hearing loss? 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 moves through your circulatory system. When the blood flows faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can create damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. A blockage can lead to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure for this reason.
So, what is regarded as high blood pressure?
Here are the basic 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 happens when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. The little hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively permanent.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Research indicates that those who have normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. People 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 reduced by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly noticeable. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where your ears feel warm and get red. Usually, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? The only way to know for sure is to talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t 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 get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is usually caused by a confluence of numerous different factors. As a result, you might have to take several 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 might entail:
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Find lower salt alternatives when you can (or stay away from processed foods when you can).
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. In those instances, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication may be needed to help you control your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and abstain from things like red meat.
You and your primary care provider will develop a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. You may be able to restore your hearing to some degree by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will most likely be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recuperating if you treat your blood pressure promptly.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. Here are a few ways:
- 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 really need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing tested regularly can help you maintain your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.