Are you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
From about 40 years old and up, you might begin to detect that your hearing is beginning to fail. Your symptoms might progress slowly and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is irreversible. Typically, it’s the consequence of many years of noise-related damage. 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.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood flows through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Over time, this can cause damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their flexibility and often become blocked. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is considered to be 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 gets as high as 180/120, it’s regarded as a hypertensive crisis. This kind of event should be treated immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. Usually, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. The little hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can result in permanent hearing loss. According to some research, the percentage of people who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. Individuals who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The findings of the research make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely detectable. So-called “hot ears” aren’t a sign of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which 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 associated with blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen symptoms of tinnitus. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how would you know? The only way to tell for sure is to talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus is not a sign 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 make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure is typically due to a confluence of numerous different factors. Consequently, you may have to take numerous different steps 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. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Avoid processed food when possible and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. In those instances, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have worked), medication might be required to help you manage your hypertension.
You and your doctor will develop a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. You might be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some extent by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be permanent.
The sooner your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Protecting 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. Here are a few ways:
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing tested regularly can help you preserve your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you really need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to make an appointment with us so we can help you address your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.