Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss typically starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms might develop slowly and be largely invisible, but this type of hearing loss is permanent. Usually, it’s the outcome of many years of noise-related damage. 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.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more quickly than normal. Over time, this can create damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their elasticity and frequently become blocked. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What is considered 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 is over 180/120. This type of event should be dealt with immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can result in irreversible hearing loss. According to some studies, the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. People 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?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. So-called “hot ears” are not an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and get red. Typically, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
High blood pressure can sometimes 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 speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Usually, 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 can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is typically due to a confluence of various different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may require a variety of strategies. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or successfully treat high blood pressure. Although 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.
You and your doctor will establish 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 might be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some degree by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will most likely be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
How to protect your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. This could include:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these places are not completely avoidable, minimize your time in loud environments.
- Talk to us: Getting your hearing tested regularly can help you maintain your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.