Were you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss usually starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms could develop slowly and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is irreversible. 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 is it important?)
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time as a result. These damaged vessels grow less elastic and more prone to blockages. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What constitutes high blood pressure?
Here are the basic 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 happens when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. 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 tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can contribute to irreversible hearing loss. Studies found that individuals with healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a much 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 feel like in your ears?
In most cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” aren’t a sign of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and get red. Hot ears are usually caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not related to blood pressure.
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 speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus generally isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
The majority of people find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for a yearly exam and get their vitals taken. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Typically, there are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Consequently, you might have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of approaches to effectively lower your blood pressure. In general, you should work with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully manage high blood pressure. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
A treatment plan to manage your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care doctor. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? 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 reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will most likely be permanent.
The sooner your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
How to safeguard your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to safeguard your hearing. This could include:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can cause damage to your ears. If you absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.
