Are you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss typically starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms may progress gradually and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Typically, it’s the consequence 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 significant
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time because of this. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular issues, such as a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is considered to be 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 goes as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive crisis. 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. Normally, 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, known as stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. Research indicates that people with normal 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 findings of the study make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid 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 isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and get red. Usually, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen symptoms of tinnitus. But how do you know if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? The only way to tell for certain is to talk to your doctor. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
The majority of individuals notice high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and get their vitals taken. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure is typically due to a confluence of various different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may call for a variety of approaches. In general, you should talk with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or effectively manage high blood pressure. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and veggies and abstain from things like red meat.
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
You and your primary care provider will develop a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to indicate that reducing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But at least some of the damage will probably be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
How to protect your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can definitely be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can safeguard your hearing. Here are several ways:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these places are not entirely avoidable, limit your time in loud environments.
- 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 preserved and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to make an appointment with us so we can help you treat your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.