Did you realize that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
From about 40 years old and up, you might begin to detect that your hearing is starting to go. Your symptoms could advance slowly and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is irreversible. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how does hypertension cause hearing loss? The blood vessels in your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more rapidly than normal. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular problems, including a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What is considered high blood pressure?
The general 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 crisis. This type of event should be addressed immediately.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. Research indicates that those who have healthy 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 findings of the study make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you prevent the effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and get red. Typically, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how could you tell? The only way to know for certain is to talk to your doctor. Tinnitus generally isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often referred to as “the silent killer”.
Typically, it’s not until you have 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?
Normally, there are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure might require a variety of approaches. In general, you should talk with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or effectively treat high blood pressure. In those cases, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have worked), medication might be required to help you control your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Basically, avoid foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by exercising regularly.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower sodium alternatives when possible (or stay away from processed foods when possible).
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be formulated by your primary care doctor. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. There is some evidence to indicate that decreasing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But at least some of the damage will most likely be permanent.
The sooner your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
How to protect your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. Here are a number of ways:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can cause damage to your ears. If you absolutely 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.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to book an appointment with us so we can help you treat your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.
