Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
From about 40 years old and up, you might begin to notice that your hearing is starting to fail. You most likely won’t even notice your progressing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how does hypertension cause hearing loss? The blood vessels inside of your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood flows through your circulatory system. When the blood flows quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time as a result. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their elasticity and often become blocked. Cardiovascular issues, like a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is regarded as 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
When your blood pressure goes as high as 180/120, it’s regarded as a hypertensive emergency. This kind of event should be dealt with immediately.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. Also, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). These stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. 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 effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be decreased by keeping blood pressure under control.
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”. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where your ears feel warm and grow red. Normally, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
In some instances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how do you know if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? It’s impossible to definitively tell without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
The majority of individuals find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for a yearly exam and get their vitals taken. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure is usually caused by a confluence of many different factors. As a result, you might have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of methods to successfully lower your blood pressure. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Essentially, avoid foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Steer clear of processed food when you can and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care doctor. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to suggest that lowering your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least in part. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be permanent.
The sooner your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Safeguarding 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. Here are a few ways:
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If these settings aren’t completely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so make an appointment right away.