Were you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss normally begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You most likely won’t even detect your progressing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Typically, it’s the outcome of many years of noise-related damage. So how does hypertension cause hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more rapidly than normal. Over time, this can create damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their flexibility and often become blocked. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Healthcare professionals usually pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
So, what is regarded as 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
A hypertensive emergency occurs when your blood pressure is over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
So regardless of the specific cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. According to some research, the percentage of individuals 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 study make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
In the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and become red. Hot ears are usually caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not related to blood pressure.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how could you tell? It’s impossible to definitively tell without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus is generally not 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 get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. It’s a good reason to make sure you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is usually due to a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may require a variety of strategies. In general, you should talk with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
- Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or effectively manage high blood pressure. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Essentially, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Find lower salt alternatives when possible (or avoid processed foods when possible).
You and your doctor will develop a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to indicate that lowering your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But at least some of the damage will likely be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recovering if you treat your blood pressure promptly.
How to safeguard your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. Here are a number of ways:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
- 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 you really need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
We can help you preserve your hearing into the future, so book an appointment right away.