When the majority of people think of the dangers associated with high blood pressure– also known as hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you know that unmanaged hypertension can also increase your danger for hearing loss, especially as you get older?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, generally begins to become noticeable in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few noticeable signs, yet the harm it inflicts can be lasting and irreversible. Age-related hearing loss often results from prolonged exposure to sound, resulting in gradual deterioration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. An important but frequently disregarded factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you care?
Blood pressure tracks the force of blood pushing through your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. Prolonged exposure to this condition can lead to vascular degeneration, causing the blood vessels to become rigid, constricted, or compromised, which in turn raises the risk of developing severe health complications, including impaired hearing.
Understanding blood pressure: breaking down two numerical components:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) measures 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: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Over 140/90 mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Embrace a heart-healthy diet: Emphasize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is an excellent place to begin.
- Try to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes every week to maintain regular exercise.
- Cut down on salt consumption by restricting processed and fast food intake, as they frequently contain high levels of sodium.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently follow the instructions for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Minimize stress: Incorporate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your day-to-day regimen.
- Steer clear of prolonged exposure to loud noise: Wear ear protection when attending concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in loud settings.
- Use hearing protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can minimize the risk of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Regular check-ups with a hearing specialist can dramatically enhance the effectiveness of treatment and overall ear health by recognizing any potential issues early on.
The impact of high blood pressure on ear health
The ears are home to an intricate network of tiny blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When high blood pressure impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia, might sustain harm.
These stereocilia are in charge of translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can translate. Regrettably, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to heal themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage as a result of high blood pressure is frequently irreversible.
Scientific studies show a powerful correlation between high blood pressure and the severity of hearing loss. People with healthy blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while those with hypertension are at greater danger for both developing and exacerbating hearing loss.
Is ear discomfort a sign of high blood pressure?
Although high blood pressure can cause substantial blood vessel damage, it often does not manifest obvious warning signs. It is frequently referred to as the “silent killer” because of this. A common myth is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. It’s probable that these symptoms are really the result of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional reactions.
Certain individuals who have high blood pressure may experience a worsening of tinnitus symptoms, identified by a relentless ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any shifts in your hearing, it’s important to make an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a detailed assessment to determine the cause.
How to manage blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can often be managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the added benefit of safeguarding your hearing or stopping its decline.
Tips for lowering blood pressure
While managing hypertension is essential, it’s also important to take practical steps to protect your hearing.
Steps to safeguard your hearing health
Along with managing your blood pressure, the following practices can help you protect your hearing:
Concerned about hearing loss and blood pressure? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension and are experiencing signs of hearing problems– such as regularly asking people to repeat what they said, struggling with conversations in loud locations, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early intervention can make a significant difference.
Contact us today to take the first step toward better hearing.