Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
From around 40 years old and up, you might begin to detect that your hearing is starting to go. Your symptoms may advance slowly and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is irreversible. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
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 rapidly than normal. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels grow less elastic and more prone to blockages. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What is considered high blood pressure?
The basic 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 goes over 180/120. Immediate treatment is needed when this happens.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. 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 heal, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
So regardless of the specific cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. According to some studies, the percentage of individuals 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 findings of the research make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you prevent the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly noticeable. 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 grow red. Usually, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related problems.
In some instances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how would you know? The only way to know for certain is to talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently referred to as “the silent killer”.
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 be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
High blood pressure is usually due to a confluence of numerous different factors. As a result, you may have to take several different steps and use a variety of methods to successfully lower your blood pressure. In general, you should work with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or effectively treat high blood pressure. In those cases, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have helped), medication could be required to help you manage your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Steer clear of processed food when you can and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
You and your doctor will develop a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. You might be able to restore your hearing to some extent by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will probably be irreversible.
The sooner 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:
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
- Talk to us: Getting your hearing screened regularly can help you protect your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.