When the majority of individuals think of the risks associated with high blood pressure– also known as hypertension– they tend to focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you know that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your danger for hearing loss, particularly as you get older?
Presbycusis, also called age-related hearing loss, generally starts to become noticeable in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It may progress gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it causes is usually permanent. Age-related hearing loss frequently arises from prolonged exposure to noise, leading to gradual degeneration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. An essential but often disregarded factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to destroy the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it important to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure tracks the force of blood pushing through your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. Prolonged exposure to this condition can result in vascular deterioration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or compromised, which in turn raises the risk of developing severe health problems, including impaired hearing.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) determines the pressure during heartbeats.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) gauges pressure between beats.
Blood pressure categories
- 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
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Embrace a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is an excellent place to begin.
- Try to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes every week to maintain regular exercise.
- Reduce salt intake: Limit processed and fast foods, which are typically high in sodium.
- Stick to medication instructions: If advised, consistently follow the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your physician.
- Reduce stress: Incorporate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine.
- To prevent harm from loud noises, be certain to restrict the time you spend around them. Remember to use hearing protection when you are at a concert, working with loud machinery, or in loud settings.
- Think about utilizing protective gear for your ears, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to reduce the risks of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Routine check-ups with a hearing specialist can dramatically improve the success of treatment and overall ear health by catching any potential issues early on.
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 affects these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, might suffer damage.
These stereocilia are responsible for translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can translate. Regrettably, they do not regrow once damaged. As a result, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is often irreversible.
Scientific studies reveal a strong correlation between elevated blood pressure and the severity of hearing loss. People who have regular blood pressure levels are more likely to maintain 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?
Despite the vascular damage it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with obvious symptoms. It is commonly referred to as the “silent killer” for this reason. A prevalent myth is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. It’s probable that these symptoms are actually the result of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional reactions.
However, some individuals with hypertension do experience worsened symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or notice any changes in your hearing, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause.
How to regulate blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can often be controlled through lifestyle changes and medical care. Reducing your blood pressure might even help maintain your hearing or prevent further degeneration.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
Regulating blood pressure is crucial, but it’s equally important to take preventive measures to safeguard your hearing health.
Actions to safeguard your hearing health
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these actions can also aid in protecting your hearing:
Concerned about hearing loss and blood pressure? Take action
If you have high blood pressure and are experiencing problems with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves often, finding it hard to hear in noisy settings, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is essential to schedule an appointment with a hearing professional.
Your auditory well-being is important. Act promptly as early intervention can have a significant impact.
Reach out to us right now to start the journey to improved hearing
