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 know that unmanaged hypertension can also increase your risk for hearing loss, particularly as you get older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, usually begins to show signs in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It may advance gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it creates is often permanent. Age-related hearing loss often results from extended exposure to noise, resulting in gradual deterioration of the ear’s delicate mechanisms over time. One considerable but frequently ignored contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can 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 excessive strain on your blood vessels. Prolonged exposure to this condition can lead to vascular deterioration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn elevates the risk of developing serious health problems, including impaired hearing.
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) measures pressure between beats.
Blood pressure categories
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 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)
- Embrace a diet that promotes heart health by focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. Consider beginning with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy basis.
- Strive to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes every week to maintain regular exercise.
- Decrease salt intake: Limit processed and fast foods, which are often high in salt.
- Comply with medication instructions: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your doctor.
- Minimize stress: Integrate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine.
- Steer clear of prolonged exposure to loud noise: Use hearing protection when attending concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in noisy environments.
- Consider using protective gear for your ears, including earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to reduce the risks of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Regular exams with a hearing specialist can significantly enhance the success of treatment and total ear health by recognizing any potential issues early on.
The consequences of high blood pressure on ear health
The ears are home to a complex 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, especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, might sustain harm.
The stereocilia play a crucial role in converting sound waves into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain. Regrettably, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to heal themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is typically permanent.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely linked to the level of hearing loss according to scientific research. People with normal blood pressure tend to maintain better hearing over time, while individuals with high blood pressure are at greater danger for both developing and exacerbating hearing impairment.
Is ear soreness a sign of high blood pressure?
Although high blood pressure can cause considerable blood vessel damage, it frequently does not exhibit noticeable warning signs. It is frequently referred to as the “silent killer” because of this. Many individuals wrongly think that sensations like warm ears or pressure in the ears are signs of high blood pressure. In reality, these symptoms are more likely due to hormonal changes, stress, or emotional reactions.
Certain people who have high blood pressure might experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, identified by a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any changes in your hearing, it’s crucial to make an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a detailed examination 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. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the added advantage of protecting your hearing or stopping its decline.
Strategies for decreasing hypertension naturally
Managing blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally important to take preventive steps to safeguard your hearing health.
Steps to protect your hearing health
Besides managing your blood pressure, these actions can also aid in protecting your hearing:
Worried about the possible threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Take action
If you have high blood pressure and are experiencing issues with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves frequently, finding it hard to hear in loud settings, or needing to increase the volume on your devices, it is essential to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your auditory well-being is important. Act promptly as early intervention can have a substantial impact.
Reach out to us now to start the journey to improved hearing