Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss typically begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms may progress slowly and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is irreversible. Typically, it’s the consequence of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood flows through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Over time, this can lead to damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their flexibility and often become blocked. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure because of this.
What constitutes 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
A hypertensive emergency occurs when your blood pressure is over 180/120. Immediate treatment is needed when this occurs.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. Additionally, 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 incur is permanent.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Studies found that those with healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. Those 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 the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” are not an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot 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 instances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how could you tell? It’s impossible to tell for sure without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a sign of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently referred to as “the silent killer”.
Typically, it isn’t until you have your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Normally, there are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure might require a variety of strategies. In general, you should work with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if possible.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Essentially, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by exercising regularly.
- 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.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care physician. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. You might be able to restore your hearing to some degree by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will likely be permanent.
The sooner your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Protecting your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can undoubtedly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to safeguard your hearing. This could include:
- Talk to us: Getting your hearing screened regularly can help you maintain your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you really need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.