Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss normally starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms might progress gradually and be largely invisible, but this type of hearing loss is permanent. Typically, it’s the consequence of many years of noise-related damage. So how does hypertension cause hearing loss? The blood vessels in your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time as a result. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular issues, like a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. Healthcare professionals tend to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
What is considered 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 emergency happens when your blood pressure is over 180/120. This kind of event should be treated immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels in your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. Normally, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for picking up 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 contribute to permanent hearing loss. According to some studies, 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 findings of the research make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
In most cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where your ears feel warm and grow red. Normally, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related issues.
In some instances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how could you tell? The only way to know for certain is to speak with your doctor. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer”.
Usually, it’s not until you have your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. It’s a good reason to make sure you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is usually due to a confluence of various different factors. As a result, you may have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of approaches to effectively lower your blood pressure. In general, you should talk with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or effectively manage high blood pressure. In those cases, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication might be needed to help you control your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Essentially, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower salt alternatives if possible.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
You and your primary care provider will formulate a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? The answer depends. You might be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some extent by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will likely be irreversible.
The faster your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
How to safeguard your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing 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 regular hearing screenings.
- 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 absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
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 safeguard your hearing health.
