Many individuals normally consider heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns related to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your risk for hearing loss, especially as you age?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, usually starts to show signs in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It develops slowly with few obvious symptoms, yet the harm it inflicts can be lasting and permanent. In many instances, this kind of hearing loss derives from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One substantial but frequently overlooked contributing factor is elevated blood pressure, which can damage the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you care?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing through your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. With time, this can cause the vessels to condense, narrow, or become damaged, increasing your risk for serious health problems– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:
- The systolic reading, which is the top number, signifies the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) gauges pressure between beats.
Blood pressure categories
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Over 140/90 mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Emphasize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is a great place to start.
- Try to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes every week to maintain regular exercise.
- Minimize salt intake by restricting processed and fast food intake, as they usually incorporate high levels of sodium.
- Follow medication guidelines: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your physician.
- Reduce anxiety: Make time for calming activities including mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or quiet reflection to help you unwind and find balance in your day-to-day life.
- Steer clear of extended exposure to loud noise: Wear ear protection when going to concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in loud settings.
- Use ear protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can reduce the danger of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Schedule regular hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment outcomes and long-term hearing health.
The consequences of high blood pressure on ear health
The ears are home to a complex network of tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When high blood pressure affects these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and small sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, may sustain harm.
The stereocilia play a critical role in converting sound waves into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain. Sadly, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to repair themselves. Therefore, hearing impairment resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is typically permanent.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely linked to the degree of hearing impairment according to scientific research. Individuals with normal blood pressure tend to maintain better hearing over time, while those with high blood pressure are at an increased danger for both developing and exacerbating hearing impairment.
Is ear soreness a symptom of high blood pressure?
Even though high blood pressure can cause considerable blood vessel damage, it often does not exhibit obvious warning signs. It is frequently known as the “silent killer” as a result of this. Many people wrongly think that feelings such as warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of elevated blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are really the result of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional responses.
However, some people with hypertension do report intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have chronic tinnitus or suspect hearing changes, it’s essential to talk to a hearing care professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
Controlling blood pressure and protecting your hearing
Blood pressure can usually be controlled by making alterations to one’s lifestyle and receiving medical care. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the added advantage of safeguarding your hearing or stopping its decline.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
While treating hypertension is essential, it’s also important to take practical steps to protect your hearing.
Safeguarding your hearing: vital measures
In addition to managing your blood pressure, the following practices can help you safeguard your hearing:
Worried about hearing loss and blood pressure? Take action
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing issues with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves frequently, finding it difficult to hear in loud environments, or needing to increase the volume on your devices, it is important to make an appointment with a hearing professional.
Your auditory well-being is important. Act quickly as early intervention can have a considerable impact.
Reach out to us now to begin the journey to better hearing