When the majority of people think of the risks linked to high blood pressure– also known as hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also increase your risk for hearing loss, especially as you age?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, generally starts to become evident in individuals aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few noticeable signs, yet the harm it does can be lasting and permanent. Age-related hearing loss frequently arises from extended exposure to noise, leading to gradual degeneration of the ear’s delicate mechanisms over time. An important but frequently neglected factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to damage the fragile 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. Consistently high blood pressure can cause stress to your blood vessels. Prolonged exposure to this condition can lead to vascular deterioration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn elevates the danger of developing serious health issues, including impaired hearing.
Your blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) determines the pressure during heartbeats.
- The diastolic pressure, indicated by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
Blood pressure categories
- Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 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.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Embrace a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Consider starting with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy foundation.
- Try to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes every week to maintain regular exercise.
- Decrease sodium intake: Limit processed and fast foods, which are often high in salt.
- Stick to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently follow the instructions for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Decrease stress: Make time for calming activities such as mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find balance in your day-to-day life.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, be certain to limit the time you spend around them. Remember to use ear protection when you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Use hearing protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can minimize the danger of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Schedule regular hearing exams: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment results and long-term hearing health.
The consequences of high blood pressure on ear health
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, may suffer harm.
The stereocilia play a crucial role in converting sound waves into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain. Sadly, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to heal themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage as a result of high blood pressure is typically permanent.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely linked to the degree of hearing loss according to scientific research. Individuals who have healthy blood pressure levels are more likely to preserve their hearing abilities as they get older, whereas individuals who have high blood pressure are more prone to experiencing hearing loss that can worsen over time.
Is ear discomfort a symptom of high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with obvious symptoms. It is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer” because of this. Many people wrongly believe that sensations such as warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of elevated blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are actually the result of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional reactions.
Certain people with high blood pressure might experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, characterized 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 schedule an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a detailed assessment to identify the cause.
Managing 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 benefit of protecting your hearing or stopping its decline.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
Regulating blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally important to take preventive measures to protect your hearing health.
Actions to protect your hearing health
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these actions can also aid in protecting your hearing:
Worried about the potential risks to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension and are experiencing signs of hearing problems– including regularly asking others to repeat what they said, struggling with conversations in loud places, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act quickly as early intervention can have a substantial impact.
Reach out to us right now to start the journey to better hearing