Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
From around 40 years old and up, you may start to notice that your hearing is beginning to go. Your symptoms might advance slowly and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is irreversible. Usually, it’s the result of many years of noise-related damage. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time as a result. These damaged vessels become less elastic and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular issues, like a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. 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
When your blood pressure gets as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive emergency. Immediate treatment is needed when this happens.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
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 endure lasting damage. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively affect 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 irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can contribute to irreversible hearing loss. Studies found that individuals who have normal blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. 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 prevent the impacts of hearing loss.
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 doesn’t cause “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and get red. Usually, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
In some instances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how do you know if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? The only way to know for certain is to talk to your doctor. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
The majority of people find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and get their vitals taken. It’s a good reason to make sure you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is usually due to a confluence of numerous different factors. As a result, you might have to take several different steps and use a variety of methods to effectively lower your blood pressure. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by exercising regularly.
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower sodium alternatives if possible.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Basically, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care physician. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to indicate that reducing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recuperating if you treat your blood pressure quickly.
How to safeguard your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to safeguard your hearing. Here are several ways:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you really need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing screened regularly can help you preserve your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to make an appointment with us so we can help you manage your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.