When the majority of individuals think of the risks 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 increase your risk for hearing loss, especially as you get older?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, normally begins to become evident in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It develops slowly with few noticeable symptoms, yet the harm it does can be lasting and irreversible. Age-related hearing loss often arises from extended exposure to sound, leading to slow degeneration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. One substantial but often 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 power of blood flow in your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause strain to your blood vessels. Over time, this can cause the vessels to stiffen, narrow, or become damaged, raising your risk for serious health issues– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:
- 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.
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 is defined as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Over 140/90 mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Take advantage of a diet that supports heart health by focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is an excellent place to start.
- Strive to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes every week to maintain regular exercise.
- Decrease salt intake: Limit processed and fast foods, which are typically high in salt.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently adhere to the instructions for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your physician.
- Reduce stress: Integrate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your day-to-day routine.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, be certain to restrict the time you spend around them. Remember to use ear protection when you are at a concert, working with loud machinery, or in loud settings.
- Consider 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.
- Schedule routine hearing exams: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment results and long-term hearing health.
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 hypertension jeopardize these vessels, the ear structures– especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells known as stereocilia– can become damaged.
The stereocilia play a critical role in transforming sound waves into electrical signals that can be understood by the brain. Unfortunately, they do not regrow once damaged. As a result, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is usually irreversible.
Scientific studies show a strong correlation between elevated blood pressure and the extent of hearing loss. People who have regular blood pressure levels are more likely to maintain their hearing abilities as they age, whereas those who have high blood pressure are more prone to experiencing hearing loss that can intensify over time.
Is ear discomfort a sign of high blood pressure?
Even though high blood pressure can cause significant blood vessel damage, it frequently does not manifest noticeable warning signs. 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 suggest high blood pressure. Actually, these symptoms are more likely due to hormonal changes, stress, or emotional reactions.
However, some people with hypertension do experience worsened symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing 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 conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause.
How to manage blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can typically be controlled through lifestyle modifications and medical treatment. Reducing your blood pressure might even help maintain your hearing or stop further degeneration.
Strategies for decreasing hypertension naturally
While managing hypertension is essential, it’s also important to take practical steps to safeguard your ears.
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 high blood pressure and are noticing issues with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves often, finding it hard to hear in noisy settings, or needing to increase the volume on your devices, it is important to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act quickly as early action can have a considerable impact.
Reach out to us now to start the journey to improved hearing