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 start to notice that your hearing is starting to fail. You most likely won’t even notice your progressing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. Usually, it’s the result of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? 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 rapidly blood runs through your circulatory system. When the blood flows faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time as a result. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
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 occurs when your blood pressure is over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. Usually, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia aren’t capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is permanent.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Studies found that people who have normal 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. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and become red. Hot ears are usually caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not related to blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus. But how do you know if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? It’s impossible to tell for sure without speaking 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.
Most people notice high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and get their vitals taken. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is normally caused by a confluence of numerous different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may call for a variety of approaches. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower sodium alternatives when you can (or avoid processed foods when possible).
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and abstain from things like red meat.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by getting regular exercise.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care physician. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? In some circumstances 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 at least some of the damage will likely be permanent.
The sooner your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
How to protect 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:
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If you absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing screened regularly can help you maintain your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
We can help you preserve your hearing into the future, so make an appointment as soon as possible.
