When the majority of people think of the dangers associated with high blood pressure– also called hypertension– they tend to focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your danger for hearing loss, particularly as you get older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, typically begins to show indicators in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It develops slowly with few obvious symptoms, yet the damage it inflicts can be lasting and irreversible. In many cases, this type of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One substantial but frequently overlooked contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can harm the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you care?
Blood pressure tracks the force of blood moving through your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause stress to your blood vessels. Extended exposure to this condition can lead to arterial degeneration, causing the blood vessels to become rigid, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn elevates the danger of developing serious health problems, including impaired hearing.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:
- The systolic reading, which is the top number, indicates the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures pressure between beats.
Blood pressure categories
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Slightly High: Blood Pressure Ranges from 120-129 over Less Than 80
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Embrace a diet that supports heart health by emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is a great place to start.
- Get routine exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity every week.
- Cut down on salt intake by limiting processed and fast food intake, as they usually contain high levels of sodium.
- Comply with medication guidelines: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your physician.
- Minimize stress: Integrate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine.
- To prevent harm from loud noises, be certain to restrict the time you spend around them. Don’t forget to use hearing protection whenever you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Use hearing protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can reduce the danger of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Routine check-ups with a hearing specialist can significantly enhance the success of treatment and total ear health by catching any potential issues early on.
How high blood pressure can impact your ears
The ears are home to an intricate network of tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When hypertension jeopardize these vessels, the ear structures– particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
The stereocilia play a crucial role in transforming sound waves into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain. Sadly, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to restore themselves. Therefore, hearing impairment resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is frequently irreversible.
High blood pressure has been found to be closely linked to the degree of hearing loss according to scientific research. Individuals who have regular blood pressure levels are more likely to preserve their hearing abilities as they get older, whereas those who have high blood pressure are more susceptible to experiencing hearing loss that can intensify over time.
Can ear pain be a sign of high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with obvious symptoms. It is often called the “silent killer” because of this. A common misconception is that sensations such as “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. It’s probable that these symptoms are really the result of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional reactions.
Certain individuals who have high blood pressure may experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, identified by a persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. If you have chronic tinnitus or suspect hearing changes, it’s essential to consult a hearing care professional for a complete assessment.
Controlling blood pressure and protecting your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can often be managed through lifestyle modifications and medical care. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the added advantage of protecting your hearing or stopping its decline.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
Managing blood pressure is crucial, but it’s equally vital to take preventive measures to protect your hearing health.
Actions to protect your hearing health
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these actions can also aid in protecting your hearing:
Concerned about hearing loss and blood pressure? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension and are experiencing indications of hearing difficulty– such as regularly asking others to repeat what they said, struggling to hear conversations in noisy places, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early intervention can make a considerable difference.
Contact us today to take the first step toward better hearing.