Were you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
From around 40 years old and up, you might start to notice that your hearing is beginning to go. Your symptoms may develop gradually and be largely invisible, but this type of hearing loss is permanent. Typically, it’s the result of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The blood vessels inside of your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
Blood pressure and why it’s so significant
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. When the blood moves faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time because of this. These damaged vessels grow less elastic and more prone to blockages. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Healthcare professionals tend to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure for this reason.
What constitutes high blood pressure?
Here are the general 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 occurs when your blood pressure is over 180/120. This kind of event should be addressed immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. Normally, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. According to some research, the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. People who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be decreased by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely noticeable. High blood pressure isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and get red. Hot ears are usually caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not associated with blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how could you tell? The only way to know for sure is to talk to your doctor. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often referred to as “the silent killer”.
Usually, it’s not until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Usually, there are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Consequently, you might have to take several different measures and use a variety of methods to effectively lower your blood pressure. In general, you should work with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when you can and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some instances, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. In those instances, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication may be required to help you control your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and avoid things like red meat.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
You and your primary care provider will formulate a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. You may be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some degree by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will likely be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
Safeguarding your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can protect your hearing. Here are several ways:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If you absolutely need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
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 manage your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.