Many people typically consider heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the primary health concerns related to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. But did you know that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your risk for hearing loss, especially as you age?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, usually begins to show indicators in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might progress gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it creates is often permanent. In many instances, this kind of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One significant but often overlooked contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you care?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood moving through your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts excessive strain on your blood vessels. With time, this can cause the vessels to stiffen, narrow, or become damaged, increasing your risk for severe health problems– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) measures the pressure during heartbeats.
- The diastolic pressure, indicated 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 is characterized as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 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. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is a great place to start.
- Get routine exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exersize every week.
- Decrease sodium intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are typically high in sodium.
- Follow medication guidelines: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your doctor.
- Decrease stress: Make time for calming activities including mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find balance in your day-to-day life.
- Steer clear of extended exposure to loud noise: Use ear protection when going to concerts, working with loud equipment, or in noisy settings.
- Use hearing protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can minimize the risk of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Schedule regular 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 hearing health
The ears are home to an intricate network of little blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When high blood pressure affects these vessels, the structures in the ear, especially the cochlea and small sensory hair cells called stereocilia, might suffer damage.
These stereocilia are in charge of translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Regrettably, once they are damaged, they do not have the ability to restore themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage as a result of high blood pressure is frequently irreversible.
High blood pressure has been found to be closely linked to the degree of hearing loss according to scientific research. Individuals with normal blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while individuals with high blood pressure are at greater danger for both developing and exacerbating hearing impairment.
Is ear soreness a sign of high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with noticeable symptoms. It is commonly referred to as the “silent killer” because of this. A prevalent misconception is that sensations such as “hot ears” or ear pressure suggest high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are actually the result of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional responses.
However, some individuals with hypertension do report worsened symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have chronic tinnitus or notice hearing changes, it’s important to talk to a hearing care professional for a comprehensive assessment.
Managing blood pressure and safeguarding your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can often be controlled through lifestyle modifications and medical care. Reducing your blood pressure may even help preserve your hearing or stop further degeneration.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
Managing blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally important to take preventive steps to protect your hearing health.
Safeguarding your hearing: vital measures
In addition to controlling your blood pressure, the following habits can help you safeguard your hearing:
Worried about hearing loss and blood pressure? Be proactiove.
If you have high blood pressure and are experiencing issues with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves frequently, finding it hard to hear in loud environments, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is important to schedule an appointment with a hearing professional.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early intervention can make a considerable difference.
Contact us today to take the first step toward better hearing.