When most individuals think of the dangers associated with high blood pressure– also known as hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also increase your risk for hearing loss, particularly as you get older?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, normally begins to become noticeable in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It develops slowly with few obvious symptoms, yet the harm it inflicts can be lasting and irreversible. Age-related hearing loss frequently results from prolonged exposure to noise, leading to slow degeneration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. An important but often ignored factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to destroy the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you care?
Blood pressure tracks the force of blood moving through your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause stress to your blood vessels. Extended exposure to this condition can lead to vascular degeneration, causing the blood vessels to become rigid, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn raises the risk of developing serious health complications, including impaired hearing.
Your blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers:
- The systolic reading, which is the top number, signifies the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) gauges pressure between beats.
Blood pressure categories
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 hypertension is defined as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 140/90 mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Embrace a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is a great place to begin.
- Try to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes every week to maintain regular exercise.
- Cut down on salt consumption by restricting processed and fast food intake, as they usually incorporate high levels of sodium.
- Comply with medication instructions: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your doctor.
- Minimize stress: Integrate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your day-to-day regimen.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise: Use hearing protection when attending concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in loud environments.
- Consider utilizing protective gear for your ears, including earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to reduce the chances of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Schedule routine hearing exams: Early detection of hearing loss can lead to better treatment outcomes and long-term hearing health.
How high blood pressure can impact your ears
The ears are home to a complex network of tiny blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When high blood pressure affects these vessels, the structures in the ear, especially the cochlea and small sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, may sustain harm.
The stereocilia play a crucial role in transforming sound waves into electrical signals that can be understood by the brain. Regrettably, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to heal themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is frequently permanent.
Scientific studies show a powerful connection between elevated blood pressure and the extent of hearing loss. People with healthy blood pressure tend to maintain better hearing over time, while individuals with high blood pressure are at greater danger for both developing and worsening hearing impairment.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with noticeable symptoms. It is commonly referred to as the “silent killer” for this reason. A common misconception is that sensations such as “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are really the result of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional reactions.
However, some individuals with hypertension do experience intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or notice any changes in your hearing, it’s crucial to make an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a thorough examination to identify the cause.
Controlling blood pressure and safeguarding your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be regulated by making alterations to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Lowering your blood pressure might even help preserve your hearing or stop further degeneration.
Strategies for reducing hypertension naturally
While treating hypertension is important, it’s also important to take proactive steps to safeguard your ears.
Safeguarding your hearing: vital measures
In addition to managing your blood pressure, the following practices can help you safeguard your hearing:
Worried about the possible threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing indications of hearing problems– including regularly asking others to repeat themselves, struggling to hear conversations in noisy locations, or turning up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your auditory well-being is important. Act quickly as early intervention can have a considerable impact.
Reach out to us right now to begin the journey to improved hearing
