Are you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
From about 40 years old and up, you might start to notice that your hearing is beginning to fail. Your symptoms could advance slowly and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is permanent. Typically, it’s the consequence of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood flows through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Over time, this can cause damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their elasticity and often become blocked. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. 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 gets as high as 180/120, it’s regarded as a hypertensive emergency. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels in your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. Usually, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. Also, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
So regardless of the specific cause, permanent hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Studies found that people who have healthy 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 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?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. High blood pressure isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and get red. Typically, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related problems.
In some instances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? The only way to know for sure is to talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Usually, it’s not until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Usually, there are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. As a result, you may have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of methods to effectively lower your blood pressure. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Find lower salt alternatives when you can (or avoid processed foods when you can).
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. In those cases, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have helped), medication could be needed to help you control 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 lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Essentially, avoid foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care doctor. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. 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.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recovering if you address your blood pressure promptly.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. Here are a few ways:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If you really need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing screened regularly can help you preserve your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
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 address your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.