Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss normally begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms might progress slowly and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Usually, it’s the outcome of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? 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?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood runs through your circulatory system. When the blood flows quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time because of this. These damaged vessels grow less flexible and more prone to blockages. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Healthcare professionals tend to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
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. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels inside of your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
So regardless of the specific cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the result of any damage. Research indicates that people who have healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. Individuals who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe hearing loss. 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?
In the vast majority of 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 where your ears feel warm and get red. Usually, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? The only way to know for sure is to talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus is not a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often called “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 can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is typically due to a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may require a variety of approaches. In general, you should talk with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Essentially, 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 possible and find lower sodium alternatives if possible.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, 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.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
You and your doctor will establish a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to suggest that lowering your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least in part. But at least some of the damage will probably 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 protect your hearing. This could include:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If these locations aren’t completely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to book an appointment with us so we can help you treat your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.