Many people typically think of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the primary health concerns associated with high blood pressure, also called hypertension. But did you know that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your risk for hearing loss, especially as you age?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, generally begins to become evident in individuals aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might advance gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it causes is often permanent. In many instances, this type of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One significant but frequently ignored contributing factor is elevated blood pressure, which can damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it important to comprehend blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the power of blood flow in your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause stress to your blood vessels. Over time, this can cause the vessels to condense, narrow, or become damaged, increasing your risk for severe health problems– including hearing loss.
Understanding blood pressure: analyzing two numerical components:
- The systolic reading, which is the higher number, indicates the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- The diastolic pressure, shown 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 defined as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Over 140/90 mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Embrace a heart-healthy diet: Emphasize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is an excellent place to start.
- Get routine exercise: Attempt to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Minimize salt consumption by restricting processed and fast food eating, as they usually incorporate high levels of sodium.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If advised, consistently adhere to 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 quiet reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your daily life.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise: Wear ear protection when attending concerts, working with loud equipment, or in loud environments.
- 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 lead to better treatment outcomes and long-term hearing health.
How high blood pressure can affect your ears
A fragile web of miniature blood vessels resides within the ears, supplying the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to work properly. When high blood pressure impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, especially the cochlea and small sensory hair cells called stereocilia, may sustain damage.
These stereocilia are in charge of translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can translate. Sadly, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to heal themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is typically irreversible.
High blood pressure has been found 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 maintain their hearing abilities as they age, whereas those who have high blood pressure are more susceptible to experiencing hearing loss that can intensify over time.
Can ear pain be a sign of high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with noticeable symptoms. It is sometimes known as the “silent killer” because of this. A prevalent myth is that sensations such as “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. It’s probable that these symptoms are really the result of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense emotional responses.
However, some people 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 shifts in your hearing, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a thorough assessment to identify the cause.
How to regulate blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be regulated by making changes to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the added advantage of protecting your hearing or halting its decline.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
While treating hypertension is essential, it’s also important to take practical steps to protect your ears.
Steps to protect your hearing health
Along with controlling your blood pressure, the following habits can help you safeguard your hearing:
Concerned about hearing loss and blood pressure? Take action
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension and are experiencing indications of hearing difficulty– such as regularly asking others to repeat themselves, struggling to hear conversations in noisy locations, or turning up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act promptly as early intervention can have a substantial impact.
Reach out to us right now to begin the journey to improved hearing
