When most individuals think of the risks associated with high blood pressure– also called hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your danger for hearing loss, especially as you get older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, generally starts to show indicators in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few noticeable signs, yet the damage it inflicts can be lasting and irreversible. In many instances, this kind of hearing loss derives from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. An essential but often disregarded factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it important to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure tracks the force of blood pushing through your arteries. When this pressure is persistently 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 stiff, constricted, or compromised, which in turn elevates the danger of developing serious health complications, including impaired hearing.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) determines the pressure during heartbeats.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) gauges pressure between beats.
Blood pressure categories
- Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Extreme Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 140/90 mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Take advantage of a diet that supports heart health by focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. Consider starting with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy basis.
- Strive to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Minimize salt intake by restricting processed and fast food intake, as they usually contain high levels of salt.
- Comply with medication guidelines: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your physician.
- Decrease stress: Make time for relaxing activities such as mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your day-to-day life.
- To prevent harm from loud noises, be certain 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 noisy settings.
- Think about utilizing protective gear for your ears, including earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to lower the risks of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Schedule routine hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment outcomes and long-term hearing health.
How high blood pressure can impact your ears
A fragile web of miniature blood vessels resides within the ears, providing the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to work properly. When high blood pressure impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, especially the cochlea and small sensory hair cells called stereocilia, might sustain harm.
These stereocilia are in charge of translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can translate. Sadly, once they are damaged, they do not have the ability to heal themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is frequently irreversible.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely connected to the level of hearing loss according to scientific research. Individuals with healthy blood pressure tend to maintain better hearing over time, while individuals with hypertension are at greater danger for both developing and exacerbating hearing impairment.
Is ear discomfort a symptom of high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with obvious symptoms. It is sometimes known as the “silent killer” as a result of this. A prevalent myth is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure suggest high blood pressure. In reality, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional responses.
However, some individuals with hypertension do experience intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any changes in your hearing, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a thorough examination to identify the cause.
How to regulate blood pressure and protect your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can typically be controlled through lifestyle changes and medical care. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the additional benefit of safeguarding your hearing or stopping its decline.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
While managing hypertension is essential, it’s also crucial to take practical steps to protect your ears.
Safeguarding your hearing: essential steps
In addition to controlling your blood pressure, the following practices can help you safeguard your hearing:
Worried about the possible threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing issues with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves frequently, finding it difficult to hear in loud environments, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is essential to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early treatment can make a considerable difference.
Contact us today to take the first step toward better hearing.