Are you aware that your chance 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 detect that your hearing is starting to go. Your symptoms may progress slowly and be mostly invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Typically, it’s the result of many years of noise-related damage. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The blood vessels in your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. When the blood moves faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can create damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is considered to be 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
A hypertensive emergency occurs when your blood pressure is over 180/120. This kind of event should be dealt with immediately.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). These stereocilia aren’t able to self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
So regardless of the particular cause, permanent hearing loss can be the consequence of any damage. Studies found 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 findings of the study make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you prevent the impacts of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely detectable. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and become red. Usually, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-related issues.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? It’s impossible to tell for sure without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus is not a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer”.
Usually, it isn’t until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is usually a result of a confluence of various different factors. Consequently, you might have to take several different steps and use a variety of methods to effectively lower your blood pressure. In general, you should work with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be lowered by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and veggies and avoid things like red meat.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, 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 manage hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if possible.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by getting regular exercise.
You and your primary care provider will formulate a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? 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 in part. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be irreversible.
Your hearing will have a better chance of recovering if you treat your blood pressure promptly.
How to safeguard your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can undoubtedly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to protect your hearing. Here are several ways:
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If these places aren’t completely avoidable, limit your time in noisy environments.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to make an appointment with us so we can help you manage your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.
