Are 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 notice your developing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how does hypertension cause hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. When the blood flows quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can lead to damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their flexibility and often become blocked. Cardiovascular problems, like a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. Healthcare professionals usually pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
So, what is considered to be high blood pressure?
The general ratings for blood pressure include the following:
- 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 crisis. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels in your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. Also, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t able to self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Studies found that individuals who have normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. Individuals who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more extreme hearing loss. The effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be decreased 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 an indication of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where your ears feel warm and get red. Typically, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how would you know? The only way to tell for sure is to speak with your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus is not a sign of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Usually, it isn’t until you have your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Typically, there are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. 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. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower salt alternatives if you can.
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some instances, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid things like red meat.
You and your doctor will establish a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. You might be able to restore your hearing to some degree by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will probably be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recuperating if you address your blood pressure promptly.
How to protect your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. Here are several ways:
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these settings are not completely avoidable, limit your time in loud environments.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing screened regularly can help you maintain your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to book an appointment with us so we can help you manage your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.