Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss normally starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms could progress slowly and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is permanent. Usually, it’s the consequence of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The blood vessels inside of your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more rapidly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time as a result. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
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 crisis occurs when your blood pressure is over 180/120. This kind of event should be dealt with immediately.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. Usually, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. 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, permanent hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Research indicates that those who have normal blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. Individuals who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe hearing loss. The findings of the study make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you prevent the effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
In most cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where your ears feel warm and get red. Normally, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen symptoms of tinnitus. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how would you know? It’s impossible to definitively tell without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Usually, it isn’t until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
Normally, there are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure may call for a variety of strategies. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by exercising regularly.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and abstain from things like red meat.
- 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 might be needed to help you control your hypertension.
A treatment plan to address 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. 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 harm incurred will be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Protecting your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can undoubtedly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to protect your hearing. Here are a number of ways:
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds 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: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
We can help you preserve your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.
