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 typically starts to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Your symptoms might develop slowly and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how is hearing loss caused by hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can lead to widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more rapidly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time as a result. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their elasticity and often become blocked. A blockage can lead to a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What is considered high blood pressure?
The general 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 treatment is needed when this occurs.
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 endure lasting damage. Also, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). These stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can result in permanent hearing loss. Studies found that those with healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. Those who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe hearing loss. The effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be reduced 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. High blood pressure isn’t the cause of “hot ears”. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom where your ears feel warm and grow red. Usually, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? The only way to know for certain is to talk to your doctor. Tinnitus generally isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is often referred to as “the silent killer”.
Most people find out they have high blood pressure when they go in for a yearly exam and have their vitals taken. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
High blood pressure is typically caused by a confluence of numerous different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure might require a variety of approaches. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply getting your body moving on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can counter or successfully manage high blood pressure. In those cases, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have worked), medication could be required to help you control your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Essentially, avoid foods like red meats and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid sodium: Keep your eye on the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower sodium alternatives when possible (or avoid processed foods when possible).
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care doctor. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. You might be able to rejuvenate your hearing to some degree by lowering your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be irreversible.
The sooner your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
How to protect your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can undoubtedly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can protect your hearing. Here are a few ways:
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to avoid overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can lead to damage to your ears. If you really need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to book an appointment with us so we can help you manage your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.
