Were you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
From about 40 years old and up, you may begin to notice that your hearing is beginning to fail. Your symptoms might develop gradually and be largely invisible, but this kind of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The blood vessels in your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how quickly blood runs through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less flexible and more prone to blockages. A blockage can result in a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Healthcare professionals tend to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure because of this.
So, what is considered to be high blood pressure?
Here are the general ratings for high blood pressure:
- Normal: 120/8o
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 or Higher/90 or higher
When your blood pressure gets as high as 180/120, it’s regarded as a hypertensive crisis. Immediate treatment is needed when this occurs.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause extensive damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your ear. Normally, the nerves in your ear will also be compromised along with these blood vessels. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively impact the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for sensing vibrations). When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
So regardless of the specific cause, permanent hearing loss can be the result of any damage. Research indicates that people with healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a much lower prevalence of hearing loss. People who have hearing loss are more likely to have higher blood pressure. The findings of the study make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you prevent the effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
In the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. High blood pressure doesn’t cause “hot ears”. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and become red. Typically, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
High blood pressure can sometimes worsen symptoms of tinnitus. But how do you know if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? It’s impossible to definitively tell without speaking to a doctor or hearing specialist. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Usually, it’s not until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure is typically a result of a confluence of many different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure might require a variety of approaches. Your primary care doctor should be where you address your high blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Essentially, avoid foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be managed by exercising regularly.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some situations, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. In those instances, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have worked), medication could be required to help you manage your hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Keep the sodium intake to a minimum. Find lower sodium alternatives when possible (or avoid processed foods when possible).
You and your doctor will establish a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss brought on by high blood pressure? In some cases the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to indicate that reducing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be permanent.
Your hearing will have a better possibility of recovering if you treat your blood pressure promptly.
How to protect your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can definitely be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to protect your hearing. Here are a few ways:
- Wear hearing protection: You can protect your hearing by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises where you can, as these noises can cause damage to your ears. If you really need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
- Talk to us: Having your hearing tested regularly can help you preserve your hearing and identify any hearing loss early.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to make an appointment with us so we can help you treat your hearing loss and protect your hearing health.