Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss usually starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms could develop gradually and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is typically 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.
Blood pressure and why it’s so significant
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. Cardiovascular issues, like a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. Healthcare professionals tend to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure for this reason.
So, what is regarded as 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 gets as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive emergency. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. 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 impact the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is permanent.
So regardless of the specific cause, permanent hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. According to some studies, the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. People who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The findings of the study make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly noticeable. So-called “hot ears” are not an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and become red. Usually, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how would you know? It’s impossible to definitively tell without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “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. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is usually caused by a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may call for a variety of approaches. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and avoid things like red meat.
- 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 cases where lifestyle changes have worked), medication may be necessary to help you manage your hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Find lower salt alternatives when possible (or avoid processed foods when possible).
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by getting regular exercise.
You and your primary care provider will establish a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. You might be able to restore your hearing to some extent by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will most likely be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recovering if you treat your blood pressure promptly.
How to safeguard your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. Here are a number of ways:
- 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 preserved and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If you really need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing 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.
