Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
From around 40 years old and up, you might begin to notice that your hearing is starting to fail. Your symptoms could develop gradually and be largely invisible, but this type of hearing loss is irreversible. Usually, it’s the outcome of many years of noise-related damage. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so significant
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood runs through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. Over time, this can lead to damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular issues, like a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. Healthcare professionals usually pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure because of this.
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
A hypertensive crisis happens when your blood pressure is over 180/120. Immediate treatment is needed when this happens.
How can hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia aren’t capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. Studies found that people with normal blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. People who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. 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 most 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 normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other issues not associated with blood pressure.
High blood pressure can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus. But how do you know if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? The only way to know for certain is to talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Typically, it isn’t until you get 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?
High blood pressure is typically caused by a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure might require a variety of approaches. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply getting your body moving 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 successfully manage high blood pressure. In those cases, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have helped), medication might be needed to help you control your hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Avoid processed food when you can and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Essentially, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
You and your primary care provider will develop a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to indicate that decreasing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be irreversible.
The sooner your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. This could include:
- 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 locations are not completely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing tested regularly can help you preserve your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to book an appointment with us so we can help you treat your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.