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 normally begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You probably won’t even notice your developing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? 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 significant
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood flows through your circulatory system. 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 blood vessels that have been damaged lose their flexibility and often become blocked. A blockage can lead to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure because of this.
So, what is regarded as high blood pressure?
Here are the general 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 crisis happens when your blood pressure is over 180/120. This type of event should be dealt with immediately.
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 get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also endure lasting damage. Also, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
So regardless of the particular cause, permanent hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Research indicates that those with healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. Individuals who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be reduced by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly noticeable. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and get red. Typically, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related issues.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen symptoms of tinnitus. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? It’s impossible to definitively tell without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently referred to as “the silent killer”.
Usually, it isn’t until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is normally a result of a confluence of various different factors. As a result, you might have to take several different steps and use a variety of methods to successfully lower your blood pressure. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Find lower salt alternatives when you can (or stay away from processed foods when you can).
- 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 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 lower your overall blood pressure.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Basically, avoid foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
You and your doctor will develop 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 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 harm incurred will be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
How to protect your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can protect your hearing. Here are a number of ways:
- Talk to us: Having your hearing screened regularly can help you maintain your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If these settings aren’t completely avoidable, limit your time in loud environments.
We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.
