Are you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss normally begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms may advance slowly and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. When the blood flows faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time as a result. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Healthcare professionals usually pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure for this reason.
So, what is regarded as 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 goes as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive emergency. This type of event should be treated immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also endure lasting damage. The little hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t heal, 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 reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more extreme hearing loss. The findings of the research 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?
In most cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and get red. Normally, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related issues.
In some cases, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how would you know? The only way to know for certain is to speak with your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently referred to as “the silent killer”.
The majority of individuals find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and get their vitals taken. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
Usually, there are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure may require a variety of strategies. In general, you should talk with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of sodium in your food, particularly processed foods. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower salt alternatives if possible.
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help lower your overall blood pressure.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Basically, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or effectively treat high blood pressure. In those instances, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication might be required to help you control your hypertension.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care physician. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to suggest that decreasing your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least in part. But at least some of the damage will probably be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Safeguarding your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to protect your hearing. This could include:
- 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 protected and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- 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 you absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so make an appointment right away.
