Did you know 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 could develop slowly and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is irreversible. Usually, it’s the consequence of many years of noise-related damage. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? 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 does it matter?)
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. Over time, this can lead to damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their elasticity and often become blocked. Cardiovascular problems, like a stroke, can be the result 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 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
A hypertensive crisis occurs when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. This kind 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. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. Also, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). These stereocilia are not able to self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can result in irreversible hearing loss. Research indicates that those who have normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. Individuals 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 feel like in your ears?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely detectable. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and get red. Hot ears are usually caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not related to blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen symptoms of tinnitus. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? It’s impossible to tell for sure without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus generally isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently called “the silent killer”.
The majority of people notice high blood pressure when they go in for a yearly exam and have their vitals taken. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Typically, there are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure may require a variety of strategies. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower salt alternatives if possible.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully manage high blood pressure. In those cases, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have helped), medication might be necessary to help you manage your hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help lower your overall blood pressure.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Essentially, avoid foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
You and your primary care provider will establish a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. 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. There is some evidence to suggest that reducing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But at least some of the damage will likely be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
How to safeguard your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to protect your hearing. Here are a number of ways:
- Talk to us: Getting your hearing screened regularly can help you preserve your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so book an appointment right away.