Did you know that high blood pressure can also increase your chance of developing age-related hearing loss?
From about 40 years old and up, you might start to notice that your hearing is beginning to fail. Your symptoms could progress gradually and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is irreversible. Typically, it’s the result of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
Blood pressure and why it’s so important
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more rapidly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time as a result. These damaged vessels grow less flexible and more prone to blockages. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
So, what is considered to be high blood pressure?
Here are the general 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 goes over 180/120. This type of event should be addressed immediately.
How can hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. Usually, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. Also, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
So regardless of the specific cause, permanent hearing loss can be the result of any damage. According to some research, the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. Individuals who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe hearing loss. The impacts of hearing loss, in other words, can be reduced by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
Normally, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly noticeable. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and get red. Usually, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
In some instances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how do you know if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? The only way to know for sure is to talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a sign of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
The majority of people notice high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and get their vitals taken. It’s a good reason to be certain you don’t miss those regular appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Usually, there are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure might call for a variety of approaches. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management may look like the following:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and avoid things like red meat.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Find lower salt alternatives when you can (or avoid processed foods when you can).
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
You and your primary care provider will formulate a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. There is some evidence to suggest that reducing your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least in part. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be irreversible.
The sooner your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
How to safeguard your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can definitely be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to safeguard your hearing. Here are a number of ways:
- Talk to us: Having your hearing screened regularly can help you protect your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
- Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
- 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 these locations are not completely avoidable, minimize your time in loud environments.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to make an appointment with us so we can help you address your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.