Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss typically begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. 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 is hearing loss caused by hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to extensive 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. When the blood moves quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their flexibility and often become blocked. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Healthcare professionals tend to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure for this reason.
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
A hypertensive crisis occurs when your blood pressure is over 180/120. This kind 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 in your ear. Normally, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can result in permanent hearing loss. Studies found that people with healthy 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 effects 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?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely detectable. So-called “hot ears” are not 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 associated with blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how do you know if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? It’s impossible to definitively tell without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus generally isn’t 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. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Usually, there are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure might require 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:
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of sodium in your food, particularly processed foods. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully manage high blood pressure. In those cases, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication might be required to help you manage your hypertension.
You and your primary care provider will develop a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. You might be able to restore your hearing to some degree by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be permanent.
The sooner your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Safeguarding 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. Here are a few ways:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- 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.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so make an appointment right away.