Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
From about 40 years old and up, you may begin to detect that your hearing is beginning to go. You most likely won’t even notice your progressing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? The blood vessels inside of 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 quickly blood flows through your circulatory system. When the blood flows quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time as a result. These damaged vessels grow less elastic and more prone to blockages. A blockage can lead to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Healthcare professionals tend to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure for this reason.
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
When your blood pressure goes as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive emergency. This type of event should be addressed immediately.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause widespread 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. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
So regardless of the particular cause, permanent hearing loss can be the result of any damage. Research indicates that people who have normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. Those who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more extreme hearing loss. The findings of the research make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
In most cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” are not a sign of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where your ears feel warm and get red. Normally, 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 worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how could you tell? The only way to know for certain is to speak with your doctor. Tinnitus generally isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Typically, it’s not 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 is high blood pressure managed?
Normally, there are a number of 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. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or successfully treat high blood pressure. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower salt alternatives when you can (or avoid processed foods when possible).
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
You and your doctor will develop a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. You might 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 irreversible.
The faster your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
Protecting your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. This could include:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If these locations are not completely avoidable, limit your time in loud environments.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to make an appointment with us so we can help you treat your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.
