Are you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss typically starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You most likely won’t even detect your developing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Usually, it’s the outcome of many years of noise-related damage. So how does hypertension cause 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 significant
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. When the blood moves quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time because of this. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their elasticity and often become blocked. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What constitutes high blood pressure?
The basic 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 happens when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. This kind of event should be addressed immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. Usually, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia aren’t able to self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can result in irreversible hearing loss. Research indicates that individuals with healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. 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?
In most cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” are not an indication of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and get red. Hot ears are usually caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not associated with blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how could you tell? The only way to tell 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 referred to as “the silent killer”.
Most people find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for a yearly exam and get their vitals taken. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
Usually, there are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Consequently, you might have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of approaches to successfully lower your blood pressure. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help lower your overall blood pressure.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully treat high blood pressure. In those instances, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication might be needed to help you manage your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Find lower sodium alternatives when possible (or avoid processed foods when you can).
You and your doctor will establish a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. You might be able to restore your hearing to some extent by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will probably be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recovering if you treat your blood pressure quickly.
Safeguarding 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. Here are a number of ways:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these settings are not entirely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so make an appointment as soon as possible.