When most individuals think of the dangers linked to high blood pressure– also called hypertension– they tend to focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your danger for hearing loss, especially as you get older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, typically begins to show indicators in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might advance gradually and without noticeable symptoms, but the damage it creates is usually permanent. In many cases, this kind of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One substantial but often ignored contributing factor is elevated blood pressure, which can harm the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it significant to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the power of blood flow in your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. Extended exposure to this condition can result in arterial deterioration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn raises the danger 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.
- The diastolic pressure, indicated by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
Blood pressure categories
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 hypertension is defined as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Take advantage of a diet that supports heart health by emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. Consider beginning with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy foundation.
- Try to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Cut down on salt intake by limiting processed and fast food eating, as they frequently contain high levels of sodium.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently adhere to the instructions for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Decrease stress: Make time for calming activities such as mindfulness exercises, mild stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find balance in your daily life.
- Steer clear of prolonged exposure to loud noise: Use hearing protection when going to concerts, working with loud equipment, or in loud environments.
- Consider using protective gear for your ears, including earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to reduce the risks of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Schedule routine hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment results and long-term hearing health.
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 hypertension compromises 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 converting sound waves into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain. Regrettably, they do not regrow once damaged. As a result, hearing loss from vascular damage caused by high blood pressure is usually irreversible.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely connected to the level of hearing loss according to scientific research. Individuals with normal blood pressure tend to maintain better hearing over time, while those with high blood pressure are at an increased danger for both developing and exacerbating hearing loss.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with obvious symptoms. It is frequently known as the “silent killer” because of this. A prevalent misconception is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure suggest high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are actually the result of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional responses.
Certain people with high blood pressure might experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, identified by a persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any changes in your hearing, it’s crucial to make an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a thorough examination to identify the cause.
How to regulate blood pressure and protect your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can often be managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the added benefit of safeguarding your hearing or stopping its decline.
Strategies for decreasing hypertension naturally
Managing blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally vital to take preventive measures to safeguard your hearing health.
Steps to safeguard your hearing health
Along with controlling your blood pressure, the following habits can help you protect 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 environments, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is essential to make an appointment with a hearing professional.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early intervention can make a considerable difference.
Reach out to us today to take the first step toward better hearing.
