Many people typically consider heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the primary health concerns associated with 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?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, typically starts to show signs in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might advance gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it creates is usually permanent. In many cases, this type of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. An essential but often neglected factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to destroy the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you pay attention to?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood moving through your arteries. When this pressure is persistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. With time, this can cause the vessels to stiffen, narrow, or become damaged, increasing your risk for serious health problems– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) determines the pressure during heartbeats.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) gauges pressure between beats.
Blood pressure categories
- Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 hypertension is characterized as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Extreme Hypertension: Blood Pressure Over 140/90 mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Embrace a diet that promotes heart health by focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. Consider starting with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy foundation.
- Strive to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Minimize salt consumption by limiting processed and fast food eating, as they frequently contain high levels of salt.
- Comply with medication instructions: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your doctor.
- Decrease stress: Make time for relaxing activities such as mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your day-to-day life.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, make sure to restrict the time you spend around them. Remember to use ear protection whenever you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in loud settings.
- Consider utilizing protective gear for your ears, such as 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 auditory health.
The consequences of high blood pressure on ear health
The ears are home to a complex network of little blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When hypertension jeopardize these vessels, the ear structures– especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells known as 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, once they are damaged, they do not have the ability to restore themselves. Therefore, hearing impairment resulting from vascular damage as a result of high blood pressure is typically permanent.
Scientific studies show a powerful connection between high blood pressure and the extent of hearing loss. Individuals who have healthy blood pressure levels are more likely to maintain their hearing abilities as they age, whereas individuals who have high blood pressure are more prone to experiencing hearing loss that can worsen over time.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular damage it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with obvious symptoms. It is commonly called the “silent killer” for this reason. A common misconception is that sensations such as “hot ears” or ear pressure suggest high blood pressure. Actually, these symptoms are more likely due to hormonal changes, stress, or emotional reactions.
Certain people with high blood pressure might experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, characterized by a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or notice any shifts in your hearing, it’s crucial to make an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a detailed examination to identify the cause.
Managing blood pressure and safeguarding your hearing
Blood pressure can usually be regulated by making alterations to one’s lifestyle and receiving medical care. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the added advantage of protecting your hearing or halting its decline.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
Regulating blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally important to take preventive measures to safeguard your hearing health.
Actions to protect your hearing health
Besides managing your blood pressure, these actions can also aid in safeguarding your hearing:
Worried about the possible risks to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension and are experiencing signs of hearing problems– such as frequently asking others to repeat what they said, struggling with conversations in noisy places, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act promptly as early intervention can have a considerable impact.
Reach out to us right now to begin the journey to better hearing