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 may begin to detect that your hearing is starting to go. Your symptoms could develop slowly and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood runs through your circulatory system. When the blood flows faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can cause damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels grow less elastic and more prone to blockages. A blockage can lead to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. 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
When your blood pressure goes as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive emergency. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
How can hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also endure lasting damage. The little hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia aren’t capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. Studies found that those with healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. People 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 prevent 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. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and get red. Typically, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
In some instances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how would you know? It’s impossible to definitively tell without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus generally isn’t 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 have 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?
High blood pressure is typically due to a confluence of numerous different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may call for a variety of strategies. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if possible.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by exercising regularly.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or effectively treat high blood pressure. In those cases, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have worked), medication might be required to help you control your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Essentially, avoid foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
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? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. You might be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some degree by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Safeguarding your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can definitely be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can safeguard your hearing. Here are a number of ways:
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you safeguard your hearing.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these settings aren’t completely avoidable, limit your time in noisy environments.
We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so make an appointment right away.
