When most people think of the risks associated with high blood pressure– also known as hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. Were you aware that not managing high blood pressure could also increase the probability of experiencing hearing impairment, especially as you grow older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, typically starts to show signs in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might advance gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it creates is usually permanent. Age-related hearing loss often arises from extended exposure to noise, leading to slow deterioration of the ear’s delicate mechanisms over time. One substantial but frequently ignored contributing factor is elevated blood pressure, which can damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you care?
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. With time, this can cause the vessels to condense, narrow, or become damaged, increasing your risk for severe health issues– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:
- The systolic reading, which is the top number, indicates the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- The diastolic pressure, indicated 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
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is a great place to begin.
- 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 limiting processed and fast food eating, as they frequently contain high levels of salt.
- Follow medication guidelines: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your doctor.
- Reduce anxiety: Make time for relaxing activities such as mindfulness exercises, mild stretches, or quiet reflection to help you unwind and find balance in your day-to-day life.
- Steer clear of prolonged exposure to loud noise: Wear ear protection when going to concerts, working with loud equipment, or in loud settings.
- Use hearing protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can reduce the danger of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Routine exams with a hearing specialist can substantially enhance the success of treatment and total ear health by recognizing any potential issues early on.
How high blood pressure can affect your ears
A fragile web of miniature blood vessels exists within the ears, supplying the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to work effectively. When high blood pressure impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia, might sustain harm.
The stereocilia play a critical role in transforming sound waves into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain. Unfortunately, they do not regrow once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is often permanent.
High blood pressure has been found to be closely linked to the degree of hearing loss according to scientific research. People with healthy blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while those with hypertension are at greater danger for both developing and exacerbating hearing loss.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
Even though high blood pressure can lead to considerable blood vessel damage, it frequently does not exhibit noticeable warning signs. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” because of this. Many people falsly believe that sensations like warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of elevated blood pressure. Actually, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional reactions.
Certain individuals who have high blood pressure might experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, identified by a relentless ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any shifts in your hearing, it’s important to make an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a thorough examination to identify the cause.
Controlling blood pressure and protecting your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be controlled by making changes to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the additional advantage of safeguarding your hearing or halting its decline.
Tips for lowering blood pressure
Managing blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally vital to take preventive measures to protect your hearing health.
Safeguarding your hearing: essential steps
Besides managing your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in protecting your hearing:
Worried about the possible risks to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing problems with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves often, finding it difficult to hear in loud environments, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is essential to make an appointment with a hearing professional.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early intervention can make a considerable difference.
Reach out to us today to take the first step toward better hearing.