Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss typically starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You most likely won’t even notice your progressing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
The blood that flows 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 blood vessels that have been harmed lose their elasticity and often become blocked. A blockage can lead to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
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
A hypertensive crisis occurs when your blood pressure is over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels inside of 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 picking up vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia get 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. According to some research, the percentage of people who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. Those who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more extreme hearing loss. 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?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely noticeable. So-called “hot ears” are not a sign of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and become red. Usually, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related problems.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? The only way to know for certain is to speak with your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Usually, it isn’t until you have 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 treated?
High blood pressure is usually due to a confluence of numerous different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure might require a variety of approaches. In general, you should work with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or successfully manage high blood pressure. In those cases, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have worked), medication may be required to help you control your hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help lower your overall blood pressure.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. 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. Eat more fruits and veggies and abstain from things like red meat.
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? The answer depends. There is some evidence to suggest that reducing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But at least some of the damage will most likely be permanent.
The sooner your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Protecting your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. Here are a few ways:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these places aren’t completely avoidable, minimize your time in loud environments.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
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 treat your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.