Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
From about 40 years old and up, you might begin to detect that your hearing is starting to fail. You most likely won’t even detect your developing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Typically, it’s the consequence of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so significant
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. When the blood moves quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can lead to damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their elasticity and often become blocked. Cardiovascular issues, such as a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. 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?
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
When your blood pressure gets as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive emergency. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
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 tiny hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is permanent.
So regardless of the specific cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the result of any damage. According to some studies, the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. 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?
Usually, 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. Usually, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
In some circumstances, 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 definitively tell without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
The majority of people notice high blood pressure when they go in for a yearly exam and get their vitals taken. 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. Consequently, you might have to take numerous different steps 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. That management may look like the following:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or effectively manage high blood pressure. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Avoid processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Basically, avoid foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
You and your doctor will develop a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. You might 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.
The sooner your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
Safeguarding your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can undoubtedly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to safeguard your hearing. Here are a number of ways:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you absolutely need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to book an appointment with us so we can help you manage your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.
