Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss typically starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You probably won’t even detect your developing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how does hypertension lead to 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 does it matter?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood moves through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time because of this. These damaged vessels become less elastic and more prone to blockages. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure for this reason.
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 emergency happens when your blood pressure goes 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. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
So regardless of the particular cause, permanent hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. According to some research, the percentage of people who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. People who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be decreased by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. So-called “hot ears” are not a sign of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and get red. Usually, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related issues.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen 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 talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently referred to as “the silent killer”.
Typically, it’s not until you get 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 is high blood pressure managed?
High blood pressure is usually caused by a confluence of numerous different factors. As a result, you may have to take numerous different measures and use a variety of approaches to successfully 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:
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully treat high blood pressure. In those instances, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have helped), medication might be required to help you manage your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Essentially, avoid foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
You and your primary care provider will formulate a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. You may be able to restore your hearing to some extent by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recuperating if you treat your blood pressure quickly.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. Here are a few ways:
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If these settings are not completely avoidable, limit your time in loud environments.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to book an appointment with us so we can help you treat your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.