Many people normally think of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns related to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also increase your risk for hearing loss, especially as you get older?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, normally starts to become evident in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It develops slowly with few noticeable signs, yet the damage it does can be lasting and irreversible. Age-related hearing loss often results from prolonged exposure to noise, leading to gradual deterioration of the ear’s delicate mechanisms over time. One substantial but frequently overlooked contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can harm the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you pay attention to?
Blood pressure is a measure of the power of blood flow in your arteries. When this pressure is persistently too high, it puts excessive strain on your blood vessels. With time, this can cause the vessels to condense, narrow, or become damaged, raising your risk for serious health issues– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:
- The systolic reading, which is the higher number, indicates the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- 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 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 promotes heart health by emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is a great place to start.
- Try to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes every week to maintain regular exercise.
- Minimize salt consumption by restricting processed and fast food eating, as they frequently incorporate high levels of salt.
- Stick to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently adhere to the instructions for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Reduce anxiety: Make time for calming activities such as mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or quiet reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your daily life.
- To prevent harm from loud noises, make sure 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 noisy settings.
- Use ear protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can reduce the risk of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Regular check-ups with a hearing specialist can considerably enhance the effectiveness of treatment and total ear health by catching any potential issues early on.
The impact of high blood pressure on hearing health
A fragile web of miniature blood vessels resides within the ears, providing the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to function properly. When hypertension compromises these vessels, the ear structures– particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
The stereocilia play a crucial role in converting sound waves into electrical signals that can be understood by the brain. 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 show a strong connection between elevated blood pressure and the severity of hearing loss. Individuals who have healthy blood pressure levels are more likely to preserve their hearing abilities as they get older, whereas those who have high blood pressure are more susceptible to experiencing hearing loss that can intensify over time.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
Even though high blood pressure can cause significant blood vessel damage, it often does not exhibit noticeable warning signs. It is sometimes known as the “silent killer” because of this. A prevalent misconception is that sensations such as “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are really the outcome of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional reactions.
However, some individuals with hypertension do report intensified 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 crucial to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a thorough assessment to identify the cause.
How to regulate blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
Blood pressure can usually be controlled by making changes to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the added advantage of protecting your hearing or stopping its decline.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
While treating hypertension is important, it’s also crucial to take practical measures to safeguard your hearing.
Actions to safeguard your hearing health
In addition to controlling your blood pressure, the following practices can help you protect your hearing:
Worried about hearing loss and blood pressure? Take action
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension and are experiencing indications of hearing difficulty– including frequently asking others to repeat what they said, struggling with conversations in noisy locations, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act promptly as early action can have a considerable impact.
Reach out to us right now to start the journey to improved hearing