When most people think of the dangers associated with 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 probability of experiencing hearing impairment, especially as you grow older?

Presbycusis, also called age-related hearing loss, generally starts to become noticeable in individuals aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It may progress gradually and without noticeable symptoms, but the damage it creates is usually permanent. In many cases, this type of hearing loss derives from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. An important but often ignored 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 pay attention to?

Blood pressure tracks the force of blood moving 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 arterial degeneration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn raises the danger of developing severe health complications, including impaired hearing.

Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:

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

Categories of blood pressure

• 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 Above 140/90 mm Hg
• Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)

How high blood pressure can affect your ears

A delicate web of miniature blood vessels exists within the ears, supplying the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to work properly. When high blood pressure impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, might suffer harm.

These stereocilia are in charge of translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can translate. Unfortunately, they do not regrow once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is usually irreversible.

High blood pressure has been found to be closely connected to the level of hearing impairment according to scientific research. People who have regular blood pressure levels are more likely to preserve their hearing abilities as they age, whereas individuals who have high blood pressure are more susceptible to experiencing hearing loss that can intensify over time.

Can ear pain be a sign of high blood pressure?

Despite the vascular damage it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with noticeable symptoms. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” because of this. Many individuals falsly think that feelings like warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of elevated blood pressure. Actually, these symptoms are more likely due to hormonal changes, stress, or emotional reactions.

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 important to make an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a thorough assessment to identify the cause.

Managing blood pressure and safeguarding your hearing

Blood pressure can frequently be controlled by making alterations to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Lowering your blood pressure might even help preserve your hearing or stop further degeneration.

Tips for lowering blood pressure

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Focus on 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.
• Cut down on salt consumption by restricting processed and fast food eating, as they frequently incorporate high levels of 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 daily life.

Regulating blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally important to take preventive measures to safeguard your hearing health.

Safeguarding your hearing: essential steps

Besides regulating your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in protecting your hearing:

• Steer clear of extended exposure to loud noise: Use ear protection when attending concerts, working with loud equipment, or in noisy settings.
• Use hearing protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can minimize the danger of sound-induced hearing damage.
• Routine exams with a hearing specialist can significantly enhance the success of treatment and overall ear health by catching any potential issues early on.

Concerned about hearing loss and blood pressure? Be proactiove.

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing signs of hearing problems– such as regularly asking others to repeat themselves, struggling to hear conversations in noisy locations, or turning up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.

Your auditory well-being is important. Act quickly as early action can have a considerable impact.

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