Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss normally begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms could advance gradually and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is irreversible. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so significant
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood moves through your circulatory system. 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 grow less flexible and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular issues, including a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What constitutes 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 regarded as a hypertensive emergency. This type of event should be dealt with immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
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 damaged along with these blood vessels. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
So regardless of the specific 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 much lower prevalence of hearing loss. People who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The impacts of hearing loss, in other words, can be reduced by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and grow red. Hot ears are usually caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not related to blood pressure.
In some instances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how do you know if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? It’s impossible to tell for sure without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is not a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer”.
Usually, it isn’t until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure is usually caused by a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may call for a variety of strategies. In general, you should work with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, 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 could be necessary to help you manage your hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when you can and find lower salt alternatives if possible.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Essentially, avoid foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care physician. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. You may be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some degree by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will likely be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
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. This could include:
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved and early detection will be possible by getting regular 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 really need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to book an appointment with us so we can help you manage your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.