Are you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
From about 40 years old and up, you may begin to notice that your hearing is starting to fail. Your symptoms may progress gradually and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how does hypertension cause hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so significant
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. When the blood flows quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can cause damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their elasticity and frequently become blocked. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
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
When your blood pressure goes as high as 180/120, it’s regarded as a hypertensive crisis. This type of event should be treated immediately.
How can hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also endure lasting damage. Also, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). These stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can result in irreversible hearing loss. Studies found that individuals who have 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 effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be reduced by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. High blood pressure isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where your ears feel warm and get red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not related to 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 tell for certain is to speak with your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a sign of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer”.
Typically, it isn’t until you have your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is normally due to a confluence of various different factors. Consequently, you may have to take numerous different measures and use a variety of methods to successfully lower your blood pressure. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by exercising regularly.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Basically, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of sodium in your food, particularly processed foods. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower sodium alternatives if possible.
- 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 situations where lifestyle changes have helped), medication may be necessary to help you manage your hypertension.
You and your primary care provider will establish a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. There is some evidence to suggest that lowering your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least in part. But at least some of the damage will most likely be irreversible.
The sooner your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Protecting 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. Here are several ways:
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- 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 places aren’t completely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing tested regularly can help you maintain your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to book an appointment with us so we can help you address your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.
