When the majority of people think of the risks associated with high blood pressure– also known as hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also increase your risk for hearing loss, especially as you age?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, generally begins to show signs in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It develops slowly with few obvious symptoms, yet the damage it does can be lasting and irreversible. In many instances, this type of hearing loss derives from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One significant but frequently overlooked contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can damage the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you care?
Blood pressure is a measure of the power of blood flow in your arteries. When this pressure is persistently too high, it puts excessive strain on your blood vessels. With time, this can cause the vessels to condense, narrow, or become damaged, increasing your risk for serious health problems– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) measures the pressure during heartbeats.
- The diastolic pressure, shown by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
Blood pressure categories
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Over 140/90 mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Embrace a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Consider beginning with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy basis.
- Strive to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Reduce salt intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are often high in salt.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If advised, consistently adhere to the instructions for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your physician.
- Decrease anxiety: Make time for relaxing activities such as mindfulness exercises, mild stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find balance in your day-to-day life.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise: Wear hearing protection when going to concerts, working with loud equipment, or in loud settings.
- Think about using protective gear for your ears, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to reduce the chances of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Schedule routine hearing exams: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment results and long-term auditory health.
The impact of high blood pressure on ear health
The ears are home to a complex network of tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When high blood pressure impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, especially the cochlea and small sensory hair cells called stereocilia, might sustain harm.
The stereocilia play a crucial role in converting sound waves into electrical signals that can be understood by the brain. Regrettably, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to restore themselves. Therefore, hearing impairment resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is typically irreversible.
High blood pressure has been found to be closely linked to the degree of hearing impairment according to scientific research. Individuals who have regular blood pressure levels are more likely to preserve their hearing abilities as they get older, whereas those who have high blood pressure are more susceptible to experiencing hearing loss that can intensify over time.
Is ear soreness a sign of high blood pressure?
Even though high blood pressure can lead to significant blood vessel damage, it frequently does not exhibit obvious warning signs. It is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer” as a result of this. Many individuals wrongly think that sensations like warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of high blood pressure. Actually, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional responses.
Certain individuals who have high blood pressure might experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, identified by a relentless ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. If you experience chronic tinnitus or suspect hearing changes, it’s important to talk to a hearing care professional for a complete evaluation.
How to manage blood pressure and protect your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can typically be managed through lifestyle modifications and medical care. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the added advantage of safeguarding your hearing or stopping its decline.
Tips for lowering blood pressure
Managing blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally important to take preventive measures to safeguard your hearing health.
Actions to safeguard your hearing health
Besides managing your blood pressure, these actions can also aid in safeguarding your hearing:
Worried about hearing loss and blood pressure? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing indications of hearing problems– including regularly asking others to repeat themselves, struggling with conversations in loud places, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your auditory well-being is important. Act promptly as early action can have a significant impact.
Reach out to us right now to start the journey to better hearing
