Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
From around 40 years old and up, you might start to detect that your hearing is beginning to go. You most likely won’t even detect your progressing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. 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 cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so significant
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. Over time, this can lead to damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. Cardiovascular problems, like a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals often 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 goes as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive emergency. 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. 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 adversely impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively permanent.
So regardless of the specific cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. According to some studies, the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. Individuals 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?
In the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and get red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not related to blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? The only way to know for certain is to talk to your doctor. Tinnitus generally isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Most individuals notice high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and have their vitals taken. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Typically, there are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure may call for a variety of strategies. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some instances, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
- 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.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower salt alternatives when you can (or avoid processed foods when you can).
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by exercising regularly.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care physician. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? The answer depends. You may 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 most likely be irreversible.
The sooner your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
How to safeguard your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. Here are several ways:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
- Talk to us: Getting your hearing tested regularly can help you maintain your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.