Were 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 start to notice that your hearing is starting to fail. Your symptoms might progress gradually and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The blood vessels inside of your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
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 moves more quickly than normal. Over time, this can lead to damage to your blood vessels. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their elasticity and often become blocked. A blockage can lead 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?
The basic 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 emergency occurs when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. Typically, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. The little hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
So regardless of the particular cause, irreversible hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Studies found that people who have normal blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. People who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The impacts of hearing loss, in other words, can be decreased by keeping blood pressure under control.
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. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where 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.
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? It’s impossible to tell for sure without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus generally 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 discovered. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
Usually, there are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Consequently, you might have to take numerous different measures and use a variety of approaches 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, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to use blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Essentially, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help lower your overall blood pressure.
- 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 primary care provider will formulate a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. You may 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.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recuperating if you address your blood pressure quickly.
Protecting your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can protect your hearing. This could include:
- 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 absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing screened regularly can help you protect 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 treat your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.
