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. You probably won’t even notice your developing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. 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 lead to widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood moves through your circulatory system. When the blood flows faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time because of this. These damaged vessels become less elastic and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular problems, like a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What constitutes 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
A hypertensive emergency occurs when your blood pressure is over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How can hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels in your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. Additionally, 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 permanent.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the result of any damage. Research indicates that individuals who have normal blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. Individuals who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be reduced by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely detectable. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where your ears feel warm and grow red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not associated with blood pressure.
In some instances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how could you tell? It’s impossible to definitively tell without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is not a sign 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 have 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?
High blood pressure is usually caused by a confluence of numerous different factors. Consequently, you may have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of methods to successfully lower your blood pressure. In general, you should work with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
- 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 situations where lifestyle changes have worked), medication might be needed to help you control your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Basically, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when you can and find lower salt alternatives if possible.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care doctor. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to indicate that reducing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recovering if you treat your blood pressure promptly.
How to safeguard your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can definitely be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to protect your hearing. Here are a few ways:
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these locations are not entirely avoidable, limit your time in loud environments.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing screened regularly can help you maintain your hearing and detect 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 manage your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.