Are you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss usually starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You most likely won’t even detect your progressing hearing loss even though it’s an irreversible condition. Typically, it’s the result of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? 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 is it important?)
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. When the blood moves quicker than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can create damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less elastic and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular issues, like a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals frequently pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What is considered 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
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 does hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the little hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). When these stereocilia become damaged, they don’t regenerate, so any damage is effectively permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can contribute to permanent hearing loss. According to some studies, 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 impacts 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?
In most cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” aren’t a sign of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and become red. Usually, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen symptoms of tinnitus. But how can you tell if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? It’s impossible to definitively tell without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus generally isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.
The majority of individuals notice high blood pressure when they go in for an annual exam and have their vitals taken. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure is typically a result of a confluence of various different factors. As a result, you may have to take several different steps and use a variety of methods to effectively lower your blood pressure. In general, you should talk with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help reduce your overall blood pressure.
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of sodium in your food, especially processed foods. Avoid processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if possible.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
- 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 situations where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to control hypertension.
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 cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. 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 damage incurred will be permanent.
The faster your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
How to protect your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. Here are a number of ways:
- Talk to us: Getting your hearing tested regularly can help you preserve your hearing and identify 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 steer clear of overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If these settings aren’t entirely avoidable, minimize your time in noisy environments.
We can help you preserve your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.
