Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss usually begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms may advance gradually and be mostly 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 extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so significant
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood moves through your circulatory system. When the blood moves quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can lead to damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is regarded as 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
When your blood pressure gets as high as 180/120, it’s regarded as a hypertensive crisis. This kind of event should be treated immediately.
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 damaged along with these blood vessels. Also, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can result in permanent hearing loss. 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 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?
In the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where your ears feel warm and grow red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not associated with blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus. But how can you tell if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? The only way to tell for certain is to speak with your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Usually, it isn’t until you have your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
High blood pressure is normally caused by a confluence of various different factors. As a result, you might have to take several different measures and use a variety of approaches to effectively lower your blood pressure. In general, you should talk with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by exercising regularly.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Find lower sodium alternatives when you can (or stay away from processed foods when possible).
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care doctor. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. You might be able to restore your hearing to some degree by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will probably be irreversible.
The sooner your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. Here are a few ways:
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Talk to us: Getting your hearing screened regularly can help you protect your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these locations aren’t completely avoidable, minimize your time in loud environments.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so book an appointment right away.
