Are you aware that your chance of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?

From about 40 years old and up, you may start to notice that your hearing is beginning to go. Your symptoms may progress slowly and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is irreversible. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how is hearing loss a result of hypertension? The answer is that high blood pressure can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.

Blood pressure and why it’s so important

Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood moves through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Over time, this can result in damage to your blood vessels. These damaged vessels become less elastic and more prone to blockages. A blockage can lead to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Healthcare professionals have a tendency to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure because of this.

What is considered high blood pressure?

Here are the basic 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 can hypertension cause hearing loss?

Hypertension can cause widespread 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. The little hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia are not able to self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is permanent.

This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can result in permanent hearing loss. According to some research, the percentage of people who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. Individuals who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more extreme hearing loss. The impacts of hearing loss, in other words, can be reduced by keeping blood pressure under control.

What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?

Usually, the symptoms of high blood pressure are hardly detectable. So-called “hot ears” aren’t a sign of high blood pressure. What are hot ears? It’s a symptom in which your ears feel warm and get red. Typically, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.

In some instances, high blood pressure can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? The only way to know for sure is to talk to your doctor. Tinnitus is generally not a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” for a good reason.

The majority of people notice high blood pressure when they go in for a yearly exam and get their vitals taken. 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 due to a confluence of various different factors. That’s why lowering blood pressure may require a variety of approaches. In general, you should work with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. Here’s what that management could entail:

Avoid sodium: Take note of the amount of salt in your food, particularly processed foods. Steer clear of processed food when possible and find lower sodium alternatives if you can.
Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by exercising regularly.
Take medication as prescribed: Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can prevent or successfully treat high blood pressure. Even though diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some cases where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Essentially, stay away from foods like red meats and eat more vegetables and fruits.

You and your doctor will formulate a treatment plan to deal with your blood pressure. Can hearing loss as a result of high blood pressure be reversed? The answer depends. There is some evidence to indicate that lowering your blood pressure can help revive your hearing, at least partially. But at least some of the damage will likely be irreversible.

The sooner your high blood pressure is reversed, the more likely it will be that your hearing will return.

How to safeguard your hearing

You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides lowering your blood pressure. This could include:

Wear hearing protection: Earmuff, earplugs, and even noise canceling headphones can help you protect your hearing.
Avoiding loud venues and events: Loud noises should be avoided because they can cause damage. If you absolutely need to be in a setting with overly loud noise, at least minimize your exposure time.
Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be maintained and early detection will be possible by getting regular hearing screenings.

We can help you maintain your hearing into the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible.