Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss usually begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You probably won’t even detect your progressing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. Typically, it’s the result of many years of noise-related damage. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The blood vessels in your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time because of this. These damaged vessels become less elastic and more prone to blockages. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What is considered 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
When your blood pressure gets as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive crisis. 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. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is irreversible.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. According to some studies, the percentage of people who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. Those who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe hearing loss. The findings of the research 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?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely noticeable. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is an affliction 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.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how would you know? It’s impossible to definitively tell without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently called “the silent killer”.
Typically, it isn’t 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 is high blood pressure managed?
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 approaches to effectively lower your blood pressure. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by getting regular exercise.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower sodium alternatives if possible.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid things like red meat.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some instances, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care physician. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? The answer depends. There is some evidence to indicate that decreasing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be irreversible.
The faster your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
How to protect your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can definitely be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to safeguard your hearing. This could include:
- Talk to us: Getting your hearing screened regularly can help you maintain your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If these settings are not entirely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
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 manage your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.