Were you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
From around 40 years old and up, you might start to detect that your hearing is starting to go. Your symptoms could progress slowly and be mostly invisible, but this type of hearing loss is permanent. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The answer is that high blood pressure can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including those in your ears.
What is blood pressure (and why does it matter?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood moves through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood flows more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can occur over time as a result. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their elasticity and often become blocked. Cardiovascular issues, such as a stroke, can be the consequence of these blockages. That’s one of the reasons why healthcare professionals often pay close attention to your blood pressure.
What is considered high blood pressure?
Here are the general ratings for high blood pressure:
- Normal: 120/8o
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 or Higher/90 or higher
A hypertensive emergency occurs when your blood pressure goes over 180/120. This type of event should be treated immediately.
How does hypertension cause hearing loss?
The blood vessels in your ear and your whole body can be damaged by hypertension. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. Also, high blood pressure can negatively affect the stereocilia in your ear (the tiny hairs responsible for picking up vibrations). When these stereocilia get damaged, they don’t heal, so any damage is effectively irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, regardless of the cause, can contribute to irreversible hearing loss. According to some studies, the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when they have high blood pressure readings. People who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more severe hearing loss. The effects of hearing loss, in other words, can be decreased by keeping blood pressure under control.
What does high blood pressure feel like in your ears?
In the vast majority of cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” aren’t a sign of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is a condition where your ears feel hot and become red. Typically, it’s an indication of changes in blood flow relating to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated issues.
In some instances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how can you tell if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? The only way to tell for sure is to speak with your doctor. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” for a good reason.
Usually, it’s not until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is discovered. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How is high blood pressure managed?
Usually, there are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. As a result, you might have to take several different steps and use a variety of methods to effectively lower your blood pressure. In general, you should work with your primary care doctor to lower your blood pressure. That management might look like the following:
- Diet changes: Eating a Mediterranean diet can help you reduce blood pressure. Eat more fruits and veggies and avoid things like red meat.
- Take medication as prescribed: In some instances, high blood pressure can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. In those instances, (and even in cases where lifestyle changes have helped), medication could be needed to help you control your hypertension.
- Get more exercise: Exercising regularly (or simply moving around on a regular basis) can help decrease your overall blood pressure.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of sodium in your food, particularly processed foods. Find lower salt alternatives when possible (or stay away from processed foods when possible).
You and your primary care provider will develop a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can you reverse any hearing loss caused by high blood pressure? The answer depends. There is some evidence to suggest that reducing your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least partially. But it’s also likely that at least some of the harm incurred will be irreversible.
The faster your high blood pressure is corrected, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Safeguarding your hearing
You can safeguard your hearing in other ways besides reducing 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 an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be preserved and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
If you have high blood pressure and are showing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to book an appointment with us so we can help you address your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.
