Are you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss usually begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You probably won’t even detect your progressing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. Usually, it’s the result of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The blood vessels inside of your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood flows through your circulatory system. When the blood moves faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can cause damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What is considered high blood pressure?
Here are the general 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 emergency. This kind of event should be dealt with immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. Also, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively permanent.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. According to some studies, the percentage of people who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. Individuals 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 make your ears feel like?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely noticeable. 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 grow red. Normally, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related issues.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how would you know? The only way to tell for sure 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 have 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 is high blood pressure treated?
Typically, there are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. As a result, you might have to take several different measures and use a variety of methods to successfully lower your blood pressure. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower sodium alternatives when you can (or stay away from processed foods when possible).
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or successfully manage high blood pressure. In those cases, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have helped), medication could be necessary to help you control your hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
You and your doctor will formulate a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to suggest that lowering your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recovering if you address your blood pressure promptly.
Protecting your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. This could include:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If these places aren’t completely avoidable, minimize your time in loud environments.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to make an appointment with us so we can help you treat your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.