Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
From about 40 years old and up, you might begin to notice that your hearing is starting to go. You most likely won’t even notice your developing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. 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 widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood flows through your circulatory system. When the blood moves faster 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 flexible and more prone to blockages. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure for this reason.
So, what is regarded as 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 crisis occurs when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
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 get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). These stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can result in permanent hearing loss. Research indicates that people with normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. Individuals 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 effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly noticeable. So-called “hot ears” are not a sign of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and grow red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not associated with blood pressure.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? The only way to know for certain is to talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a sign 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 get 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 can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is typically a result of a confluence of numerous different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure might require a variety of approaches. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Find lower sodium alternatives when possible (or avoid processed foods when possible).
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, 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 use blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
You and your doctor will develop a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to suggest that decreasing your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
How to protect your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can safeguard your hearing. This could include:
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you really need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to make an appointment with us so we can help you treat your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.