Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
From about 40 years old and up, you might start to notice that your hearing is beginning to go. Your symptoms might develop gradually and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Usually, it’s the result of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The blood vessels in your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood moves through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time as a result. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular problems, including a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is considered to be high blood pressure?
The basic 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 goes as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive emergency. Immediate treatment is needed when this occurs.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. Normally, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia aren’t capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can contribute to irreversible hearing loss. Studies found that people with normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. People who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be reduced 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. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and get red. Usually, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? It’s impossible to definitively tell without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is not a sign of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer”.
Most people notice high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and get their vitals taken. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure is normally a result of a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may call for a variety of approaches. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Find lower sodium alternatives when possible (or stay away from processed foods when you can).
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by getting regular exercise.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully manage high blood pressure. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases 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 developed by your primary care physician. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. You may be able to restore your hearing to some degree by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be permanent.
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
While lowering your blood pressure can undoubtedly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can safeguard your hearing. Here are a few ways:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If you absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to make an appointment with us so we can help you treat your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.