Are you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
From around 40 years old and up, you may begin to notice that your hearing is starting to go. You probably won’t even detect your developing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Usually, it’s the outcome of many years of noise-related damage. 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.
Blood pressure and why it’s so significant
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood flows through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time as a result. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their elasticity and often become blocked. A blockage can lead to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What is considered high blood pressure?
Here are the basic ratings for high blood pressure:
- 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 considered a hypertensive crisis. Immediate management 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. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
So regardless of the specific cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Research indicates that individuals with normal blood pressure readings tend to have a far 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 decreased by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
In the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and get red. Normally, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
In some cases, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how do you know if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? It’s impossible to tell for sure without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Typically, it isn’t until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. It’s a good reason to make sure you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is typically due to a confluence of various 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 might entail:
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid things like red meat.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or effectively manage high blood pressure. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of sodium in your food, particularly processed foods. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care physician. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. You may be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some extent by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will probably be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recovering if you address your blood pressure promptly.
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 protect your hearing. This could include:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you absolutely need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to book an appointment with us so we can help you manage your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.