Were 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 could advance gradually and be largely invisible, but this type of hearing loss is irreversible. Usually, it’s the outcome of many years of noise-related damage. So how does hypertension lead to 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 quickly blood runs through your circulatory system. When the blood flows faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time as a result. 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 considered to be 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
When your blood pressure gets as high as 180/120, it’s regarded as a hypertensive crisis. Immediate treatment is needed when this occurs.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. Normally, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. Also, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter 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 reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe hearing loss. The impacts 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 most cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. High blood pressure isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and get red. Typically, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
In some cases, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? It’s impossible to definitively tell without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is 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 notice high blood pressure when they go in for a yearly exam and get their vitals taken. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is usually due to a confluence of various different factors. As a result, you may have to take numerous different measures and use a variety of methods 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:
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and avoid things like red meat.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help lower your overall blood pressure.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully manage high blood pressure. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Find lower sodium alternatives when you can (or stay away from processed foods when you can).
You and your primary care provider will establish a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to indicate that lowering your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least in part. But at least some of the damage will likely be irreversible.
The faster your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
How to safeguard your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. This could include:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these places aren’t completely avoidable, minimize your time in loud environments.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so make an appointment right away.
