Were you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss normally starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms could advance gradually and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how does hypertension cause 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. When the blood flows faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. 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. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is regarded as high blood pressure?
The general 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 crisis occurs when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. This kind of event should be dealt with immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels in your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. The little hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
So regardless of the particular cause, permanent hearing loss can be the result of any damage. According to some research, the percentage of people who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. People 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 impacts of hearing loss.
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”. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and get red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not associated with blood pressure.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how could you tell? It’s impossible to tell for sure without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is not a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer”.
Most individuals find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and have their vitals taken. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure is typically due to a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure might call for a variety of approaches. In general, you should work with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully manage high blood pressure. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care doctor. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? The answer depends. There is some evidence to indicate that lowering your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least in part. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
How to protect your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. This could include:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds 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 protect your hearing into the future, so make an appointment right away.
