Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
From around 40 years old and up, you may begin to notice that your hearing is beginning to fail. Your symptoms may progress slowly and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Typically, it’s the result of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood flows through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time as a result. These damaged vessels grow less flexible and more prone to blockages. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
So, what is considered to be 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 crisis occurs 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. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively permanent.
So regardless of the particular cause, permanent hearing loss can be the result of any damage. Research indicates that people with healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. Individuals 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?
In the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. 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. Hot ears are usually caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not associated with blood pressure.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? It’s impossible to definitively tell without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Most people notice high blood pressure when they go in for a yearly exam and have their vitals taken. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Typically, there are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure might call for a variety of strategies. In general, you should talk with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Find lower sodium alternatives when possible (or stay away from processed foods when you can).
- 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 lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully manage high blood pressure. In those instances, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have worked), medication could be needed to help you manage your hypertension.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care doctor. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. You may be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some extent by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recovering if you address your blood pressure quickly.
Protecting your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can definitely be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to protect your hearing. This could include:
- 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: 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 minimize your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so make an appointment right away.