Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss typically begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms might progress slowly and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? 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 important
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. When the blood flows quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time as a result. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their flexibility and often become blocked. Cardiovascular issues, such as a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure because of this.
So, what is considered to be 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 emergency happens when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. Immediate treatment is needed when this occurs.
How can hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. Normally, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t able to self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. According to some research, the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. Individuals who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more extreme hearing loss. The findings of the research make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
In the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” are not a sign of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and become red. Typically, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related problems.
In some cases, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of 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 sign of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently called “the silent killer”.
Typically, it’s not 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 is high blood pressure treated?
Usually, there are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. As a result, you may have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of methods to successfully lower your blood pressure. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by exercising regularly.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some instances, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid things like red meat.
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 circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. You may be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some extent by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recuperating if you treat your blood pressure promptly.
How to protect your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. This could include:
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these places aren’t entirely avoidable, limit your time in noisy environments.
- Talk to us: Getting your hearing tested regularly can help you preserve your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so book an appointment right away.