Are you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
From around 40 years old and up, you might begin to detect that your hearing is starting to fail. Your symptoms may advance slowly and be largely invisible, but this type of hearing loss is permanent. Typically, it’s the outcome of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. Over time, this can create damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their flexibility and often become blocked. Cardiovascular problems, like a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure for this reason.
So, what is regarded as 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
When your blood pressure gets as high as 180/120, it’s regarded as a hypertensive crisis. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also endure lasting damage. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can result in permanent hearing loss. Research indicates that individuals with normal blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. Those who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe hearing loss. 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 feel like in your ears?
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 in which your ears feel warm and get red. Hot ears are usually caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not related to blood pressure.
In some instances, high blood pressure can worsen 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 speak with your doctor. Tinnitus generally 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’s not until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. It’s a good reason to make sure you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Usually, there are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Consequently, you might have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of approaches to effectively lower your blood pressure. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Avoid processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Basically, avoid foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or effectively treat high blood pressure. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
You and your doctor will formulate a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. You may be able to restore your hearing to some degree by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recuperating if you address your blood pressure promptly.
Protecting your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. Here are a few ways:
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you really need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.
