Are you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
From around 40 years old and up, you might start to notice that your hearing is starting to go. Your symptoms may develop gradually and be mostly 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 answer is that high blood pressure can lead to extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. When the blood moves quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their elasticity and often become blocked. A blockage can lead to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Healthcare professionals usually pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
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 type of event should be treated immediately.
How can hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels in your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Studies found 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 impacts of hearing loss, in other words, can be reduced by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
In most cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and grow red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not related to blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus. But how do you know if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? It’s impossible to tell for sure without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently referred to as “the silent killer”.
Most individuals find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and have their vitals taken. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure is usually a result of a confluence of various different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may call for a variety of strategies. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and abstain from things like red meat.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or effectively manage high blood pressure. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
You and your doctor will formulate a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? The answer depends. You might be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some extent by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be irreversible.
The sooner your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Protecting your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. This could include:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you really need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to make an appointment with us so we can help you manage your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.