When most individuals think of the risks linked to high blood pressure– also called hypertension– they tend to focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you know that unmanaged hypertension can also increase your risk for hearing loss, especially as you age?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, generally starts to show signs in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It develops slowly with few obvious symptoms, yet the harm 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 considerable but frequently ignored contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can harm the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it important to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing through your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause stress to your blood vessels. Extended exposure to this condition can lead to arterial degeneration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or compromised, which in turn raises the danger of developing serious health complications, including impaired hearing.
Your blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) determines the pressure during heartbeats.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures pressure between beats.
Blood pressure categories
- Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Take advantage of a diet that promotes heart health by focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. Consider beginning with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy foundation.
- Try to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes every week to maintain regular exercise.
- Minimize salt consumption by limiting processed and fast food intake, as they usually incorporate high levels of sodium.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If advised, consistently adhere to the instructions for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your physician.
- Minimize stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily regimen.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, make sure to limit the time you spend around them. Remember to use hearing protection whenever you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in loud settings.
- Think about utilizing protective gear for your ears, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to reduce the risks of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Schedule routine hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment results and long-term auditory health.
The consequences of high blood pressure on ear health
A fragile web of miniature blood vessels resides within the ears, providing the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to work effectively. When hypertension jeopardize these vessels, the ear structures– especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
The stereocilia play a critical role in converting sound waves into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain. Sadly, once they are damaged, they do not have the ability to repair themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage as a result of high blood pressure is frequently irreversible.
Scientific studies reveal a strong connection between elevated blood pressure and the extent of hearing loss. People with healthy blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while individuals with hypertension are at an increased danger for both developing and exacerbating hearing loss.
Is ear discomfort a sign of high blood pressure?
Even though high blood pressure can cause significant blood vessel damage, it often does not manifest noticeable warning signs. It is often called the “silent killer” for this reason. Many individuals falsly believe that sensations like warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are actually the outcome of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense emotional responses.
However, some individuals with hypertension do report intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have chronic tinnitus or suspect hearing changes, it’s essential to consult a hearing care professional for a comprehensive assessment.
Controlling blood pressure and safeguarding your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be controlled by making changes to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the added advantage of safeguarding your hearing or halting its decline.
Tips for lowering blood pressure
Regulating blood pressure is crucial, but it’s equally vital to take preventive measures to safeguard your hearing health.
Actions to protect your hearing health
Besides managing your blood pressure, these behaviors 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 signs of hearing difficulty– including regularly asking people to repeat what they said, struggling with conversations in loud locations, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act promptly as early intervention can have a considerable impact.
Reach out to us right now to start the journey to improved hearing