Are you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
From around 40 years old and up, you might start to notice that your hearing is starting to fail. Your symptoms could develop slowly and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Usually, it’s the result 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 widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
The blood that runs 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 elasticity and often become blocked. Cardiovascular issues, such as a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. Healthcare professionals tend to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
What is considered high blood pressure?
Here are the basic 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 is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia aren’t able to self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can result in irreversible hearing loss. According to some studies, the percentage of people 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 severe hearing loss. The findings of the research 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 noticeable. High blood pressure isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and get red. Hot ears are usually caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not related to blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? It’s impossible to definitively tell without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus generally isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Most individuals notice high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and have their vitals taken. It’s a good reason to make sure you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
High blood pressure is typically caused by a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure might call for a variety of strategies. In general, you should talk with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. In those instances, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have worked), medication could be required to help you manage your hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help lower your overall blood pressure.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Essentially, avoid foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Avoid processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care physician. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. You might be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some degree by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will likely be permanent.
The sooner your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
How to safeguard your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. This could include:
- Talk to us: Having your hearing tested regularly can help you preserve your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
- 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 these places are not completely avoidable, limit your time in loud environments.
We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.