When most people think of the dangers associated with high blood pressure– also known as hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. 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, generally starts to show signs in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few obvious signs, yet the harm it does can be lasting and irreversible. Age-related hearing loss often arises from extended exposure to sound, leading to gradual degeneration of the ear’s delicate mechanisms over time. One considerable but often overlooked contributing factor is elevated blood pressure, which can damage the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you pay attention to?
Blood pressure is a measure of the strength of blood flow in your arteries. When this pressure is persistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. Extended exposure to this condition can result in vascular deterioration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn raises the risk of developing serious health complications, including impaired hearing.
Your blood pressure reading is composed 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.
Categories of blood pressure
- Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Extreme Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 140/90 mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Take advantage of a diet that supports heart health by emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is an excellent place to start.
- Try to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Cut down on salt intake by restricting processed and fast food intake, as they frequently contain high levels of salt.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If advised, consistently follow the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your physician.
- Reduce stress: Integrate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine.
- To prevent harm from loud noises, be certain to limit the time you spend around them. Remember to use ear protection whenever you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Consider utilizing protective gear for your ears, including earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to reduce the chances of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Regular exams with a hearing specialist can significantly enhance the success of treatment and overall ear health by recognizing any potential issues early on.
The impact of high blood pressure on hearing health
A delicate web of miniature blood vessels resides within the ears, supplying the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to function properly. When hypertension compromises these vessels, the ear structures– especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
These stereocilia are responsible for converting sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Regrettably, they do not regrow once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage caused by high blood pressure is often permanent.
Scientific studies reveal a powerful correlation between elevated blood pressure and the severity of hearing loss. Individuals with healthy blood pressure tend to maintain better hearing over time, while those with high blood pressure are at an increased danger for both developing and worsening hearing loss.
Can ear pain be a sign of high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with obvious symptoms. It is frequently known as the “silent killer” as a result of this. A common misconception is that sensations such as “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. Actually, these symptoms are more likely due to hormonal changes, stress, or emotional reactions.
However, some individuals with hypertension do report intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any changes in your hearing, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a thorough assessment to identify the cause.
Controlling blood pressure and protecting your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can typically be controlled through lifestyle changes and medical care. Lowering your blood pressure might even help preserve your hearing or prevent further degeneration.
Tips for lowering blood pressure
While managing hypertension is important, it’s also crucial to take practical steps to safeguard your hearing.
Steps to protect your hearing health
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in safeguarding your hearing:
Worried about the potential threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you are dealing with high blood pressure and are experiencing issues with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves often, finding it difficult to hear in loud settings, or needing to increase the volume on your devices, it is essential to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act promptly as early intervention can have a significant impact.
Reach out to us now to start the journey to improved hearing