Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss normally begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms might progress gradually and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Typically, it’s the consequence of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
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 damaged vessels grow less flexible and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular problems, including a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. Healthcare professionals usually pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
So, what is considered to be 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 happens when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. This type of event should be addressed immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause widespread 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. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). 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 result of any damage. According to some research, 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 prevent the effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely detectable. So-called “hot ears” aren’t a sign of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and become red. Normally, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
In some cases, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how would you know? It’s impossible to definitively tell without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often referred to as “the silent killer”.
Typically, it’s not until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. It’s a good reason to make sure you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is usually a result of a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may require a variety of approaches. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or effectively treat high blood pressure. Even though 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.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and abstain from things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Find lower sodium alternatives when you can (or stay away from processed foods when you can).
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care physician. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. There is some evidence to indicate that reducing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recuperating if you treat your blood pressure quickly.
Safeguarding your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can definitely be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can protect your hearing. This could include:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If you absolutely need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so make an appointment right away.