Many individuals typically consider heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns associated with high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Were you aware that not managing high blood pressure could also heighten the likelihood of experiencing hearing loss, especially as you grow older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, usually starts to show signs in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might progress gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it causes is usually permanent. Age-related hearing loss often results from prolonged exposure to sound, leading to slow deterioration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. One substantial but frequently ignored 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 pay attention to?
Blood pressure tracks the force of blood pushing through your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts excessive strain on your blood vessels. Over 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:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) determines the pressure during heartbeats.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures pressure between beats.
Categories of blood pressure
- Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg
- Slightly High: Blood Pressure Ranges from 120-129 over Less Than 80
- 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)
- 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.
- Try to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Reduce salt intake: Limit processed and fast foods, which are typically high in salt.
- Comply with medication guidelines: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your doctor.
- Reduce stress: Integrate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily regimen.
- Avoid extended exposure to loud noise: Wear hearing protection when attending concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in loud environments.
- Think about using protective gear for your ears, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to lower the chances of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Routine exams with a hearing specialist can significantly enhance the effectiveness of treatment and total ear health by catching any potential issues early on.
How high blood pressure can impact your ears
The ears are home to a complex network of little blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When high blood pressure impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and small sensory hair cells called stereocilia, might sustain harm.
These stereocilia are responsible for translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Unfortunately, they do not regenerate once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is typically irreversible.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely linked to the level of hearing loss according to scientific research. Individuals with normal blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while those with hypertension are at an increased risk for both developing and exacerbating hearing impairment.
Can ear pain be a sign of high blood pressure?
Although high blood pressure can cause considerable blood vessel damage, it frequently does not exhibit obvious warning signs. It is frequently known as the “silent killer” because of this. A common misconception is that sensations such as “hot ears” or ear pressure suggest high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are actually the outcome of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional responses.
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 notice any changes in your hearing, it’s important to make an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause.
How to manage blood pressure and protect your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be controlled by making alterations to one’s lifestyle and receiving medical care. Lowering your blood pressure might even help maintain your hearing or stop further degeneration.
Tips for lowering blood pressure
While managing hypertension is important, it’s also important to take practical steps to safeguard your hearing.
Safeguarding your hearing: essential measures
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? Take action
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension and are experiencing indications of hearing difficulty– including frequently asking others to repeat themselves, struggling with conversations in loud places, or turning up the volume on devices– it’s time to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act quickly as early intervention can have a significant impact.
Reach out to us now to start the journey to improved hearing