Are you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss usually begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You probably won’t even detect your progressing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their elasticity and frequently become blocked. Cardiovascular problems, such as a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What constitutes 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 crisis occurs when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. This type of event should be dealt with immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. Normally, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. 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 permanent.
So regardless of the specific cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the result of any damage. Studies found that those with normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. People who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe hearing loss. The findings of the research make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you prevent the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely detectable. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and grow red. Normally, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how would you know? 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 called “the silent killer”.
Usually, it’s not 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 managed?
Usually, there are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Consequently, you might have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of methods to effectively lower your blood pressure. In general, you should talk with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. In those instances, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication might be required to help you control your hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by exercising regularly.
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower salt alternatives when possible (or avoid processed foods when possible).
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and veggies and abstain from things like red meat.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care doctor. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. There is some evidence to suggest that reducing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least in part. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be permanent.
The sooner your high blood pressure is reversed, 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 safeguard your hearing.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing screened regularly can help you maintain your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these settings aren’t entirely avoidable, limit your time in loud environments.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to book an appointment with us so we can help you manage your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.