Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss usually starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms might advance slowly and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. 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
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood flows through your circulatory system. When the blood flows faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time as a result. 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 have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
So, what is considered to be 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
When your blood pressure gets as high as 180/120, it’s regarded as a hypertensive crisis. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
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 endure lasting damage. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
So regardless of the specific cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the result of any damage. Research indicates that people with normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much 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 decreased by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
In the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” are not a sign of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and get red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not related to blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen symptoms of tinnitus. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? It’s impossible to definitively tell without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus generally isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Most individuals notice high blood pressure when they go in for a yearly exam and have their vitals taken. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
High blood pressure is usually a result of a confluence of various different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure might call for a variety of approaches. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when you can and find lower sodium alternatives if possible.
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. In those instances, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have helped), medication may be required to help you control your hypertension.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care physician. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. There is some evidence to indicate that lowering your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least in part. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be irreversible.
The faster your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
How to protect your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can undoubtedly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can safeguard your hearing. This could include:
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these locations are not completely avoidable, limit your time in loud environments.
We can help you preserve your hearing into the future, so make an appointment right away.