When most individuals think of the dangers linked to high blood pressure– also known as hypertension– they tend to focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. Were you aware that not controlling high blood pressure could also increase the likelihood of experiencing hearing loss, especially as you grow older?
Presbycusis, also called age-related hearing loss, generally begins to become noticeable in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It may progress gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it causes is usually permanent. In many instances, this kind of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. An important but frequently 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 care?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood moving through your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause strain to your blood vessels. Over time, this can cause the vessels to stiffen, narrow, or become damaged, raising your risk for serious health issues– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers:
- The systolic reading, which is the top number, indicates the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- The diastolic pressure, shown by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
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
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Take advantage of a diet that promotes heart health by focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is a great place to start.
- 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 usually incorporate high levels of sodium.
- Stick to medication instructions: If advised, consistently follow the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your physician.
- Reduce anxiety: Make time for relaxing activities such as mindfulness exercises, mild stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your day-to-day life.
- Avoid extended exposure to loud noise: Use ear protection when going to concerts, working with loud equipment, or in loud settings.
- Consider utilizing protective gear for your ears, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to lower the chances of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Schedule regular hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can lead to better treatment results and long-term hearing health.
The consequences 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, especially the cochlea and small sensory hair cells called 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, they do not regenerate once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage caused by high blood pressure is usually irreversible.
Scientific studies show a powerful correlation between high blood pressure and the severity of hearing loss. Individuals with normal blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while individuals with high blood pressure are at an increased risk for both developing and exacerbating hearing loss.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with obvious symptoms. It is often called the “silent killer” for this reason. Many people falsly believe that sensations such as warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are really the result of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense 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 notice any shifts in your hearing, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a detailed examination to determine the cause.
How to regulate blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can typically be managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the additional benefit of safeguarding your hearing or stopping its decline.
Strategies for reducing hypertension naturally
While managing hypertension is important, it’s also crucial to take proactive measures to protect your ears.
Safeguarding your hearing: vital measures
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 high blood pressure and are noticing problems with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves often, finding it hard to hear in noisy environments, or needing to increase the volume on your devices, it is important to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act quickly as early action can have a considerable impact.
Reach out to us now to start the journey to improved hearing
