Are you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss normally starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms could progress slowly and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how does hypertension lead to 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?)
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. When the blood flows quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time because of this. These damaged vessels become less elastic and more prone to blockages. A blockage can lead to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What is considered high blood pressure?
Here are the general ratings for high blood pressure:
- Normal: 120/8o
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 or Higher/90 or higher
A hypertensive emergency happens when your blood pressure is over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels in your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. 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 able to self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
So regardless of the particular cause, permanent hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Studies found that those who have normal blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. Those who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe hearing loss. The findings of the study make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely detectable. So-called “hot ears” are not an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is a condition 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 associated with blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how could you tell? The only way to know for certain is to talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus is not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Typically, it’s not 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 treated?
Usually, there are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure might call for a variety of approaches. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by getting regular exercise.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Basically, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower sodium alternatives when you can (or avoid processed foods when you can).
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, 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 use blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
You and your primary care provider will develop a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. 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 probably be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recovering if you treat your blood pressure quickly.
Safeguarding 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. This could include:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these settings are not entirely avoidable, limit your time in loud environments.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.