Are you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
From around 40 years old and up, you might start to detect that your hearing is beginning to fail. Your symptoms could progress slowly and be largely invisible, but this type of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. 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.
Blood pressure and why it’s so significant
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more quickly than normal. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. A blockage can contribute to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What constitutes high blood pressure?
Here are the basic 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 goes as high as 180/120, it’s regarded as a hypertensive emergency. Immediate treatment 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. As these blood vessels get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can contribute to irreversible hearing loss. Research indicates that people 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 impacts 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 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 grow red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not associated with blood pressure.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was being caused by high blood pressure, how could you tell? The only way to tell for sure is to speak with 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.
Usually, it’s not until you have your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure is usually due to a confluence of numerous different factors. As a result, you may have to take several different steps and use a variety of methods to successfully lower your blood pressure. In general, you should work with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or successfully manage high blood pressure. In those instances, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have worked), medication may be needed to help you control your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and veggies and abstain from things like red meat.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by exercising regularly.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Find lower sodium alternatives when you can (or avoid processed foods when possible).
You and your doctor will establish a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? In some circumstances 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 it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
Protecting your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can definitely be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can protect your hearing. This could include:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these places aren’t entirely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so make an appointment as soon as possible.