Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss usually starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You most likely won’t even notice your progressing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Typically, it’s the consequence 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.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more rapidly than normal. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less elastic and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular problems, including 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 considered to be 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
A hypertensive crisis occurs when your blood pressure is over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels in your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. Usually, 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). These stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can cause irreversible hearing loss. Research indicates that those with 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 make your ears feel like?
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. Hot ears are usually 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 how do you know if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? The only way to know for sure is to speak with your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus is not a sign of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Usually, it’s not until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
High blood pressure is usually caused by a confluence of various different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may require a variety of strategies. In general, you should work with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or effectively treat high blood pressure. 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 manage hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help lower your overall blood pressure.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and veggies and avoid things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower salt alternatives when you can (or avoid processed foods when possible).
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care doctor. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. You may be able to restore your hearing to some extent by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recovering if you address your blood pressure promptly.
Safeguarding 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. Here are a few ways:
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard 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 where you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If you absolutely need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so make an appointment right away.
