Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss typically starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms could advance slowly and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood runs through your circulatory system. When the blood flows quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can cause damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. Cardiovascular problems, including a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. Healthcare professionals tend to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure because of this.
What constitutes 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 emergency happens when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. This type of event should be treated immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. 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 negatively impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia aren’t 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 irreversible hearing loss. Research indicates that those who have normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. People who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The findings of the research make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
In most 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 where your ears feel warm and get red. Usually, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
In some cases, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how could you tell? The only way to tell for certain is to talk to 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.
Typically, it isn’t until you have your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. 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 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:
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be managed 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.
You and your doctor will establish 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. There is some evidence to indicate that lowering your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least in part. But at least some of the damage will most likely 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 certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to protect your hearing. This could include:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you absolutely need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Talk to us: Getting your hearing screened regularly can help you protect your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.
