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 probably won’t even detect your progressing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Years of noise damage is typically the cause. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time as a result. These blood vessels that have been harmed lose their elasticity and often become blocked. Cardiovascular issues, like a stroke, can be the result of these blockages. That’s one reason why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What constitutes 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 crisis occurs when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. Immediate management is needed when this occurs.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
The blood vessels in your ear and your entire body can be damaged by hypertension. Normally, the nerves in your ear will also be damaged along with these blood vessels. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for sensing vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be adversely impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia aren’t capable of self-regeneration, so any damage they sustain is permanent.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter 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. Individuals 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?
In the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and become red. Hot ears are normally caused by changes in blood flow due to hormonal, emotional, and other problems not associated with blood pressure.
In some instances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is from high blood pressure? It’s impossible to definitively tell without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. 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.
Typically, it isn’t until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. This is one good reason to be certain that you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
Normally, 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. In general, you should talk with your primary care provider to lower your blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Avoid sodium: Keep the salt intake to a minimum. Find lower salt alternatives when you can (or stay away from processed foods when possible).
- Get more exercise: Getting regular exercise (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. In those cases, (and even in situations where lifestyle changes have worked), medication may be needed to help you control your hypertension.
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Basically, avoid foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
A treatment plan to address your blood pressure can be developed by your primary care physician. 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. There is some evidence to indicate that decreasing 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 sooner your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can protect your hearing in other ways besides reducing your blood pressure. Here are a few ways:
- Talk to us: Getting your hearing screened regularly can help you maintain your hearing and detect any hearing loss early.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If these places are not completely avoidable, limit your time in noisy environments.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, be certain to book an appointment with us so we can help you address your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.