Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss typically starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms might progress gradually and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is irreversible. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The blood vessels inside of your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time because of this. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their flexibility and frequently become blocked. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Healthcare professionals usually pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure because of this.
So, what is regarded as high blood pressure?
The general ratings for blood pressure include the following:
- 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. This type of event should be treated immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels inside of 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. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t able to self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
So regardless of the specific cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. According to some research, 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 effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be reduced by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and get red. Typically, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how could you tell? It’s impossible to tell for sure without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Typically, it’s not until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. It’s a good reason to make sure you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure is normally a result of a confluence of various different factors. Consequently, you might have to take numerous different measures and use a variety of methods to successfully lower your blood pressure. In general, you should talk with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and avoid things like red meat.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or successfully treat high blood pressure. In those instances, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have helped), medication may be required to help you manage your hypertension.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care doctor. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. You may 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.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recuperating if you address your blood pressure quickly.
How to safeguard your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can undoubtedly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can protect your hearing. This could include:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these places aren’t entirely avoidable, limit your time in noisy environments.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- 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 book an appointment as soon as possible.