Did you realize 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 gradually and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? 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 is it important?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood flows through your circulatory system. 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 harmed lose their flexibility and often become blocked. Cardiovascular problems, like a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
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 is over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How can hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also endure lasting damage. Also, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t able to self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is permanent.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. According to some research, the percentage of people 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 research make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
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 in which your ears feel warm and get red. Normally, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related problems.
In some instances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how would you know? The only way to tell for certain is to talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus is not a sign of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer”.
Usually, it isn’t until you have 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 is high blood pressure managed?
High blood pressure is typically due to a confluence of many different factors. As a result, you might have to take numerous different measures and use a variety of approaches to successfully lower your blood pressure. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or effectively treat high blood pressure. In those instances, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication may be necessary to help you manage your hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by exercising regularly.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Basically, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
You and your doctor will establish a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused 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 damage incurred will be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recovering if you treat your blood pressure promptly.
How to safeguard your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. This could include:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- 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 really need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to book an appointment with us so we can help you address your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.
