Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
From about 40 years old and up, you may begin to notice that your hearing is starting to fail. Your symptoms might advance gradually 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 does hypertension cause hearing loss? The blood vessels in your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood flows through your circulatory system. When the blood moves 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 harmed lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. Cardiovascular issues, such as a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. Healthcare professionals tend to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure because of this.
So, what is regarded as high blood pressure?
The basic 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 emergency occurs when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. This kind of event should be dealt with immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t able to self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
So regardless of the particular cause, permanent hearing loss can be the consequence 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 impacts of hearing loss, in other words, can be reduced by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly noticeable. 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 an indication of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related problems.
In some cases, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how could you tell? It’s impossible to definitively tell without talking 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.
Typically, it isn’t until you have your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. It’s a good reason to make sure you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Typically, there are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Consequently, you might have to take several different measures and use a variety of approaches to effectively lower your blood pressure. In general, you should work with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some instances, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. In those cases, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication might be required to help you manage your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Essentially, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
You and your doctor will formulate 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. There is some evidence to indicate that decreasing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least in part. But at least some of the damage will probably be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recovering if you address your blood pressure quickly.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. This could include:
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If these settings aren’t entirely avoidable, limit your time in loud environments.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing tested regularly can help you protect your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.