When most people think of the risks associated with high blood pressure– also called hypertension– they tend to focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your risk for hearing loss, particularly as you get older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, generally starts to show indicators in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It may progress gradually and without noticeable symptoms, but the damage it creates is often permanent. In many instances, this type of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One considerable but often overlooked contributing factor is elevated blood pressure, which can damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it significant to comprehend blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood moving through your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts excessive strain on your blood vessels. Prolonged exposure to this condition can lead to vascular degeneration, causing the blood vessels to become rigid, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn elevates the risk of developing severe health problems, including impaired hearing.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:
- The systolic reading, which is the higher number, signifies the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- The diastolic pressure, indicated by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
Blood pressure categories
- Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 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. Consider starting with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy basis.
- Get routine exercise: Attempt to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exersize per week.
- Cut down on salt consumption by limiting processed and fast food intake, as they usually contain high levels of sodium.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If advised, consistently follow the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your physician.
- Reduce stress: Integrate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily regimen.
- To prevent harm from loud noises, make sure to limit the time you spend around them. Remember to use ear protection when you are at a concert, working with loud machinery, or in loud settings.
- Think about using protective gear for your ears, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to reduce the risks of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Routine exams with a hearing specialist can substantially enhance the effectiveness of treatment and total ear health by catching any potential issues early on.
How high blood pressure can impact your ears
A delicate web of miniature blood vessels exists within the ears, providing the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to work effectively. When high blood pressure affects these vessels, the structures in the ear, especially the cochlea and small sensory hair cells called stereocilia, might sustain damage.
The stereocilia play a critical role in transforming sound waves into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain. Unfortunately, they do not regrow once damaged. As a result, hearing loss from vascular damage caused by high blood pressure is typically irreversible.
High blood pressure has been found to be closely linked to the level of hearing impairment according to scientific research. Individuals who have regular blood pressure levels are more likely to preserve their hearing abilities as they age, whereas those who have high blood pressure are more prone to experiencing hearing loss that can worsen over time.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
Although high blood pressure can cause substantial blood vessel damage, it often does not exhibit noticeable warning signs. It is frequently known as the “silent killer” because of this. Many people wrongly believe that feelings like warm ears or pressure in the ears are signs of elevated blood pressure. Actually, these symptoms are more likely due to hormonal changes, stress, or emotional reactions.
Certain people who have high blood pressure might experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, characterized by a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any shifts in your hearing, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a detailed examination to identify the cause.
How to manage blood pressure and protect your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can often be controlled through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Reducing your blood pressure might even help maintain your hearing or prevent further degeneration.
Strategies for decreasing hypertension naturally
Regulating blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally important to take preventive steps to safeguard your hearing health.
Steps to safeguard your hearing health
Besides managing your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in protecting your hearing:
Worried about hearing loss and blood pressure? Be proactiove.
If you are dealing with high blood pressure and are experiencing problems with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves often, finding it difficult to hear in loud environments, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is important to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act quickly as early action can have a substantial impact.
Reach out to us right now to begin the journey to better hearing