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 typically begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms may advance slowly and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Typically, it’s the outcome 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.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood flows through your circulatory system. When the blood moves quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time as a result. These damaged vessels grow less flexible and more prone to blockages. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure for this reason.
So, what is regarded as 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
A hypertensive emergency happens when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. This kind of event should be treated immediately.
How can hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels in your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. Also, high blood pressure can negatively impact 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 irreversible.
So regardless of the specific cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. According to some research, 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 research make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you prevent 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. Typically, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus. 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 symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer”.
Usually, it’s not until you get 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?
High blood pressure is typically a result of a confluence of various different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure might require a variety of strategies. In general, you should work with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when you can and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. In those cases, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication may be needed to help you manage your hypertension.
A treatment plan to address 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 suggest that lowering your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least in part. But at least some of the damage will most likely be irreversible.
The faster your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
How to safeguard your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. Here are several ways:
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If these places aren’t entirely avoidable, limit your time in noisy environments.
- Talk to us: Getting your hearing screened regularly can help you protect your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.