Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss typically begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms could advance gradually 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 does hypertension cause hearing loss? The blood vessels inside of your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. When the blood moves quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular issues, such as a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What is considered 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
A hypertensive emergency happens when your blood pressure is over 180/120. Immediate treatment is needed when this occurs.
How can hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. Usually, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. The little hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can cause permanent hearing loss. According to some research, the percentage of people 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 effects 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 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 problems not related to blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus. But how do you know if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? 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 frequently called “the silent killer”.
Usually, it’s not 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 can you lower your blood pressure?
Normally, there are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure might require a variety of approaches. 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 situations, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases 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 reduce your overall blood pressure.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower sodium alternatives if possible.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and veggies and avoid things like red meat.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care physician. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. There is some evidence to indicate that reducing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least in part. But at least some of the damage will probably be permanent.
The sooner your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
How to safeguard your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. This could include:
- 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.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
We can help you preserve your hearing into the future, so book an appointment right away.