Are you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss typically begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You probably won’t even notice your developing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Typically, it’s the outcome of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? 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 rapidly blood flows through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time because of this. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their flexibility and often become blocked. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What constitutes 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 treatment is needed when this happens.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels in your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also endure lasting damage. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). These stereocilia are not able to self-regeneration, so any damage they incur 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. People who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The impacts of hearing loss, in other words, can be decreased by keeping blood pressure under control.
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”. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and become red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not associated with blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how would you know? It’s impossible to tell for sure without talking 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.
Typically, it’s not until you have your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Typically, there are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure might call for a variety of strategies. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower sodium alternatives when possible (or stay away from processed foods when possible).
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Essentially, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or effectively treat high blood pressure. In those cases, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have worked), medication could be necessary to help you manage your hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help lower your overall blood pressure.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care doctor. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? The answer depends. You might be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some extent by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will probably be irreversible.
The faster your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
How to safeguard your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. Here are a few ways:
- Talk to us: Having your hearing screened regularly can help you protect your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises where 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 minimize your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so make an appointment as soon as possible.