Many people typically consider heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns related to high blood pressure, also called hypertension. But did you know that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your danger for hearing loss, particularly as you get older?

Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, usually starts to show signs in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It may progress gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it creates is usually permanent. Age-related hearing loss often results from extended exposure to noise, leading to gradual deterioration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. An essential but frequently ignored factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to destroy the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.

Why is it significant to understand blood pressure?

Blood pressure tracks the force of blood pushing through your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause stress to your blood vessels. Prolonged exposure to this condition can lead to arterial degeneration, causing the blood vessels to become rigid, constricted, or compromised, which in turn raises the danger of developing serious health problems, including impaired hearing.

Your blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers:

• The systolic reading, which is the higher number, indicates the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
• Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures pressure between beats.

Categories of blood pressure

• Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg
• Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
• Stage 1 hypertension is defined as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
• Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
• Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)

The impact 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 compromises these vessels, the ear structures– especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells known as stereocilia– can become damaged.

The stereocilia play a critical role in transforming sound waves into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain. Sadly, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to restore themselves. Therefore, hearing impairment resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is frequently irreversible.

Scientific studies reveal a powerful connection between elevated blood pressure and the extent of hearing loss. Individuals with healthy blood pressure tend to maintain better hearing over time, while those with hypertension are at an increased risk for both developing and exacerbating hearing loss.

Is ear discomfort a symptom of high blood pressure?

In spite of the vascular damage it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with noticeable symptoms. It is often called the “silent killer” because of this. A prevalent misconception is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. In reality, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional responses.

However, some individuals with hypertension do experience intensified 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 important to make an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a thorough assessment to identify the cause.

How to manage blood pressure and protect your hearing

The good news is that blood pressure can typically be controlled through lifestyle modifications and medical care. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the additional benefit of safeguarding your hearing or stopping its decline.

Strategies for reducing hypertension naturally

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Emphasize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Consider starting with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy basis.
• Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exersize every week.
• Decrease sodium intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are typically high in salt.
• Comply with medication instructions: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your physician.
• Decrease anxiety: Make time for calming activities such as mindfulness exercises, mild stretches, or quiet reflection to help you unwind and find balance in your day-to-day life.

While managing hypertension is essential, it’s also crucial to take practical steps to safeguard your ears.

Actions to protect your hearing health

Along with controlling your blood pressure, the following habits can help you protect your hearing:

• To prevent harm from loud noises, make sure to limit the time you spend around them. Don’t forget to use ear protection whenever you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in loud 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.
• Regular exams with a hearing specialist can dramatically improve the success of treatment and total ear health by recognizing any potential issues early on.

Worried about the potential threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Take action

If you are dealing with high blood pressure and are noticing problems with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves frequently, finding it hard to hear in loud settings, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is important to schedule an appointment with a hearing professional.

Your hearing health is important. Act promptly as early action can have a considerable impact.

Reach out to us now to begin the journey to improved hearing

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.