Many people normally consider heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns associated with high blood pressure, also called hypertension. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also increase your danger for hearing loss, particularly as you get older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, typically begins to show signs in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It may progress gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it creates is often permanent. In many instances, this kind of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One considerable but often overlooked contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can harm the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it important to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the strength of blood flow in your arteries. When this pressure is persistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. Over time, this can cause the vessels to stiffen, narrow, or become damaged, raising your risk for severe health problems– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) measures the pressure during heartbeats.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures pressure between beats.
Categories of blood pressure
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Slightly High: Blood Pressure Ranges from 120-129 over Less Than 80
- Stage 1 hypertension is characterized as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 140/90 mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is a great place to begin.
- Try to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Cut down on salt consumption by restricting processed and fast food intake, as they frequently contain high levels of salt.
- Follow medication guidelines: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your physician.
- Decrease anxiety: Make time for calming activities including mindfulness exercises, mild stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your day-to-day life.
- Steer clear of prolonged exposure to loud noise: Use ear protection when going to concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in noisy environments.
- 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 substantially improve the success of treatment and total ear health by recognizing any potential issues early on.
How high blood pressure can affect your ears
A fragile web of miniature blood vessels exists within the ears, supplying the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to function effectively. When high blood pressure impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and small sensory hair cells called stereocilia, may suffer damage.
The stereocilia play a critical role in transforming sound waves into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain. Unfortunately, they do not regrow once damaged. As a result, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is typically irreversible.
High blood pressure has been found to be closely linked to the degree of hearing impairment according to scientific research. 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 sign of high blood pressure?
Although high blood pressure can lead to considerable blood vessel damage, it frequently does not exhibit obvious warning signs. It is frequently referred to as the “silent killer” because of this. Many people wrongly believe that sensations like warm ears or pressure in the ears are signs of high blood pressure. It’s probable that these symptoms are really the result of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense emotional responses.
Certain individuals who have high blood pressure might experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, identified by a relentless ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or notice any changes in your hearing, it’s important to make an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a thorough assessment to determine the cause.
How to manage blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be regulated by making alterations to one’s lifestyle and receiving medical care. Reducing your blood pressure may even help preserve your hearing or prevent further degeneration.
Strategies for reducing hypertension naturally
While managing hypertension is important, it’s also important to take proactive steps to safeguard your ears.
Steps to safeguard your hearing health
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in protecting your hearing:
Worried about the possible risks to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing issues with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves frequently, finding it difficult to hear in noisy settings, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is essential to make 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 now to begin the journey to improved hearing
