Were you aware that your risk 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. You probably won’t even detect your progressing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? The blood vessels inside of your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood flows through your circulatory system. When the blood flows quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time as a result. These damaged vessels grow less elastic and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular issues, including a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. Healthcare professionals usually pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
So, what is considered to be 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 gets as high as 180/120, it’s regarded as a hypertensive crisis. Immediate treatment is needed when this happens.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. The little hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia aren’t capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can cause permanent hearing loss. Research indicates that those with normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. People 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 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. 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 issues.
In some instances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? The only way to know for sure 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”.
Most people notice high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and have their vitals taken. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is normally a result of a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may call for a variety of strategies. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower salt alternatives when possible (or avoid processed foods when possible).
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid things like red meat.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or successfully treat high blood pressure. In those instances, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have helped), medication could be required to help you manage your hypertension.
You and your doctor will establish a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. You might be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some extent by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recovering if you treat your blood pressure quickly.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. This could include:
- Talk to us: Having your hearing screened regularly can help you preserve your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If these settings aren’t entirely avoidable, limit your time in noisy environments.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to make an appointment with us so we can help you manage your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.