Are 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 may begin to detect that your hearing is beginning to go. Your symptoms may advance slowly and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is irreversible. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how does hypertension cause hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more quickly than normal. Over time, this can create damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their elasticity and frequently become blocked. Cardiovascular issues, including a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure because of this.
So, what is regarded as high blood pressure?
The general 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. This type of event should be addressed immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). These stereocilia are not able to self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is permanent.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the result of any damage. Research indicates that people with normal blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. People 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 feel like in your ears?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. High blood pressure isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and get red. Typically, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how could you tell? It’s impossible to tell for sure without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is not a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently called “the silent killer”.
The majority of people notice high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and have 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 usually due to a confluence of various different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure might call for a variety of strategies. In general, you should work with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- 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.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when you can and find lower salt alternatives if possible.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
You and your doctor will formulate 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 degree by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recovering if you treat your blood pressure quickly.
How to protect your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. Here are several ways:
- Talk to us: Having your hearing tested regularly can help you maintain your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you really need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
We can help you preserve your hearing into the future, so book an appointment right away.