Were you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss usually begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You probably won’t even notice your progressing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Typically, it’s the consequence of many years of noise-related damage. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The blood vessels inside of your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
The blood that runs through your circulatory system can move at different speeds. When the blood moves faster than normal it means you have high blood pressure. Over time, this can cause damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less elastic and more prone to blockages. Cardiovascular problems, including 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
When your blood pressure goes as high as 180/120, it’s considered a hypertensive crisis. Immediate management is needed when this happens.
How can hypertension cause hearing loss?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also endure lasting damage. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, called stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can result in irreversible hearing loss. According to some research, the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. 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 the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is an affliction 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 cases, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But if your tinnitus was a result of high blood pressure, how could you tell? It’s impossible to tell for sure without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a sign of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently called “the silent killer”.
The majority of people 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 managed?
High blood pressure is normally due to 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:
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Find lower sodium alternatives when you can (or avoid processed foods when you can).
- Take medication as prescribed: In some cases, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent 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: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you lower blood pressure. Eat more fruits and vegetables and abstain from things like red meat.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by getting regular exercise.
You and your doctor will develop a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. You may be able to restore your hearing to some extent by reducing your blood pressure, according to some evidence. But at least some of the damage will most likely be irreversible.
The faster your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.
Safeguarding your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can undoubtedly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can safeguard your hearing. This could include:
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud sounds should be avoided because they can cause damage. If these places are not completely avoidable, limit your time in loud environments.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing tested regularly can help you preserve your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
We can help you protect your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.