Many individuals normally think of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the primary health concerns related to 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?
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 obvious symptoms, yet the harm it inflicts can be lasting and irreversible. Age-related hearing loss often arises from prolonged exposure to noise, leading to slow degeneration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. An essential but often neglected factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to destroy the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you pay attention to?
Blood pressure is a measure of the power of blood flow in your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause stress to 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 composed of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) measures the pressure during heartbeats.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures 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.
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 140/90 mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Take advantage of a diet that promotes heart health by emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is a great place to begin.
- Try to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Decrease salt intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are typically high in sodium.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently follow the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Decrease stress: Make time for calming activities such as mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or quiet 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 hearing protection whenever you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Think about using 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 regular hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment outcomes and long-term hearing health.
The consequences of high blood pressure on ear health
A fragile web of miniature blood vessels resides within the ears, supplying the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to function properly. 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 suffer damage.
The stereocilia play a crucial role in transforming sound waves into electrical signals that can be understood by the brain. Regrettably, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to repair themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is frequently permanent.
Scientific studies reveal a strong correlation between high blood pressure and the severity of hearing loss. Individuals with normal 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 soreness a symptom of high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with noticeable symptoms. It is commonly referred to as the “silent killer” because of this. A common myth is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure suggest high blood pressure. In reality, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional responses.
However, some people with hypertension do report worsened symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any shifts in your hearing, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a detailed examination to identify the cause.
Managing blood pressure and protecting your hearing
Blood pressure can usually be controlled by making changes to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the added benefit of protecting your hearing or halting its decline.
Strategies for reducing hypertension naturally
While treating hypertension is important, it’s also crucial to take practical steps to protect your ears.
Safeguarding your hearing: essential steps
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in safeguarding your hearing:
Worried about the possible threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing indications of hearing difficulty– such as frequently asking others to repeat what they said, struggling with conversations in loud locations, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early intervention can make a substantial difference.
Contact us right away to take the first step toward better hearing.
