When the majority of people think of the dangers linked to high blood pressure– also known as hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your danger for hearing loss, especially as you get older?

Presbycusis, also called age-related hearing loss, generally begins to become evident in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few obvious symptoms, yet the harm it does can be lasting and irreversible. Age-related hearing loss frequently arises from prolonged exposure to sound, resulting in gradual deterioration of the ear’s delicate mechanisms over time. One considerable but frequently overlooked contributing factor is elevated blood pressure, which can harm the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.

Why is it significant to comprehend blood pressure?

Blood pressure is a measure of the power of blood flow in your arteries. When this pressure is persistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. Extended exposure to this condition can result in vascular deterioration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn raises the danger of developing severe health issues, including impaired hearing.

Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:

• The systolic reading, which is the top number, indicates the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
• Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) gauges pressure between beats.

Blood pressure categories

• Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg
• Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
• Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
• Extreme Hypertension: Blood Pressure Over 140/90 mm Hg
• Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)

The consequences of high blood pressure on hearing health

A fragile web of miniature blood vessels resides within the ears, supplying the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to function effectively. When high blood pressure impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, might sustain harm.

The stereocilia play a critical role in converting sound waves into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain. Unfortunately, they do not regenerate once damaged. As a result, hearing loss from vascular damage caused by high blood pressure is often irreversible.

Scientific studies show a strong correlation between elevated blood pressure and the severity of hearing loss. Individuals with healthy blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while those with hypertension are at an increased risk for both developing and exacerbating hearing impairment.

Is ear discomfort a symptom of high blood pressure?

In spite of the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with obvious symptoms. It is commonly called the “silent killer” for this reason. A prevalent myth is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are really the outcome of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense emotional reactions.

Certain people who have high blood pressure might experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, characterized by a relentless ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any shifts in your hearing, it’s important to make an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a detailed examination to determine the cause.

Managing blood pressure and safeguarding your hearing

Blood pressure can usually be regulated by making alterations to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Lowering your blood pressure may even help preserve your hearing or stop further degeneration.

Tips for lowering blood pressure

• Take advantage of a diet that supports heart health by emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. Consider starting with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy basis.
• Try to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
• Cut down on salt intake by restricting processed and fast food intake, as they usually contain high levels of salt.
• Comply with medication instructions: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your physician.
• Decrease stress: Make time for relaxing activities including mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your daily life.

While treating hypertension is essential, it’s also crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your ears.

Protecting your hearing: essential steps

Along with controlling your blood pressure, the following practices can help you protect your hearing:

• To prevent harm from loud noises, be certain to restrict the time you spend around them. Don’t forget to use ear protection when you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in loud settings.
• Consider using protective gear for your ears, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to lower the risks of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
• Schedule routine hearing exams: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment outcomes and long-term auditory health.

Worried about hearing loss and blood pressure? Be proactiove.

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing signs of hearing difficulty– including regularly asking people to repeat what they said, struggling with conversations in loud locations, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.

Your auditory well-being is important. Act promptly as early action can have a considerable impact.

Reach out to us right now to start the journey to improved hearing

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.