When most people think of the dangers linked to high blood pressure– also known as hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. Were you aware that not managing high blood pressure could also increase the likelihood of experiencing hearing impairment, particularly as you grow older?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, generally starts to become noticeable in individuals aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might advance gradually and without noticeable symptoms, but the damage it causes is often permanent. In many cases, this type of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. An essential but frequently neglected factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to damage the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it important to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood moving through your arteries. When this pressure is persistently too high, it puts excessive strain on your blood vessels. Extended exposure to this condition can lead to vascular deterioration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or compromised, which in turn raises the risk of developing severe health complications, including impaired hearing.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) measures the pressure during heartbeats.
- 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
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Extreme Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 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.
- Strive to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes every week to maintain regular exercise.
- Reduce salt intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are often high in sodium.
- Comply with medication instructions: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your doctor.
- Reduce stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine.
- Steer clear of prolonged exposure to loud noise: Wear ear protection when attending concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in loud environments.
- Think about utilizing protective gear for your ears, including earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to reduce the chances of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Routine exams with a hearing specialist can significantly improve the success of treatment and overall 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 tiny blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When hypertension compromises these vessels, the ear structures– especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
These stereocilia are responsible for converting sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Regrettably, they do not regenerate once damaged. As a result, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is usually irreversible.
Scientific studies reveal a powerful connection between high blood pressure and the extent of hearing loss. People who have healthy blood pressure levels are more likely to maintain their hearing abilities as they age, whereas individuals who have high blood pressure are more susceptible to experiencing hearing loss that can intensify over time.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular damage it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with obvious symptoms. It is often called the “silent killer” for this reason. A prevalent misconception is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure suggest high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are really the outcome of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional reactions.
Certain people who have high blood pressure may experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, characterized by a persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. If you experience persistent tinnitus or notice hearing changes, it’s important to talk to a hearing care professional for a complete assessment.
How to regulate blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can typically be managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Lowering your blood pressure may even help maintain your hearing or stop further degeneration.
Strategies for reducing hypertension naturally
While managing hypertension is important, it’s also important to take proactive measures to protect your ears.
Steps to safeguard your hearing health
Along with managing your blood pressure, the following practices can help you protect your hearing:
Worried about hearing loss and blood pressure? Take action
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing problems with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves frequently, finding it hard to hear in noisy environments, or needing to increase the volume on your devices, it is essential to schedule an appointment with a hearing professional.
Your auditory well-being is important. Act quickly as early action can have a significant impact.
Reach out to us right now to start the journey to improved hearing