Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
From around 40 years old and up, you might begin to notice that your hearing is starting to fail. You probably won’t even notice your developing 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 in your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood runs through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time as a result. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their flexibility and often become blocked. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Healthcare professionals usually pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure because of this.
What is considered high blood pressure?
Here are the basic ratings for high blood pressure:
- Normal: 120/8o
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 or Higher/90 or higher
When your blood pressure gets as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive crisis. 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 in your ear. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can result in irreversible hearing loss. According to some research, the percentage of people 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 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?
In most cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and become red. Typically, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
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 talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus generally isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently called “the silent killer”.
Typically, it isn’t until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
High blood pressure is usually a result of a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure might require a variety of approaches. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of sodium in your food, particularly processed foods. Find lower salt alternatives when you can (or stay away from processed foods when possible).
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Essentially, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. In those cases, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication might be necessary to help you manage your hypertension.
You and your primary care provider will develop a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to suggest that reducing your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least in part. But at least some of the damage will likely be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recovering if you address your blood pressure quickly.
How to safeguard your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can undoubtedly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to safeguard your hearing. Here are a few ways:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these locations are not entirely avoidable, limit your time in noisy environments.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing screened regularly can help you preserve your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so book an appointment right away.
