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 may begin to notice that your hearing is starting to fail. You most likely won’t even notice your progressing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. Typically, it’s the consequence 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.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. When the blood flows quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less elastic and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular problems, including a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. Healthcare professionals tend to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure as a result.
So, what is regarded as 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 gets as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive emergency. This type of event should be treated 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 get damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. Likewise, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can cause irreversible hearing loss. According to some research, the percentage of people who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. People who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be decreased by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are barely noticeable. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and get red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not related to blood pressure.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can exacerbate 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 talk to your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Usually, 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 treated?
High blood pressure is typically caused by a confluence of various different factors. As a result, you may have to take numerous different steps and use a variety of approaches to successfully lower your blood pressure. In general, you should talk with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management could entail:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or effectively treat high blood pressure. Although 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.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Basically, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower sodium alternatives when you can (or stay away from processed foods when you can).
You and your doctor will formulate a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. You may be able to rejuvenate 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 irreversible.
The sooner your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
How to safeguard your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. Here are several ways:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these places aren’t completely avoidable, limit your time in loud environments.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to make an appointment with us so we can help you manage your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.