Were you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
From around 40 years old and up, you might start to notice that your hearing is beginning to go. You most likely won’t even notice your progressing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. Typically, it’s the consequence of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? The blood vessels in your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. When the blood moves faster 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 harmed lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. Cardiovascular problems, including a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What constitutes 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
A hypertensive emergency happens when your blood pressure is over 180/120. This kind of event should be dealt with immediately.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also endure lasting damage. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. According to some research, the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. Individuals who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more extreme hearing loss. 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?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely detectable. High blood pressure isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and become red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not related to blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen symptoms of tinnitus. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how could you tell? It’s impossible to definitively tell without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a sign of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
The majority of people find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for a yearly exam and get their vitals taken. It’s a good reason to make sure you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
High blood pressure is usually caused by a confluence of many different factors. 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:
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Basically, avoid foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or effectively manage high blood pressure. 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 manage hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if possible.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care doctor. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to suggest that reducing your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. Here are a number of ways:
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these places are not entirely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected 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 book an appointment with us so we can help you treat your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.