Many individuals typically think of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns related to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your risk for hearing loss, particularly as you get older?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, generally starts to become evident in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few noticeable symptoms, yet the harm it does can be lasting and permanent. Age-related hearing loss often results from prolonged exposure to sound, resulting in slow degeneration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. An essential 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 is a measure of the strength of blood flow in your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause stress to your blood vessels. Prolonged exposure to this condition can result in vascular degeneration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn raises the risk of developing severe health problems, including impaired hearing.
Understanding blood pressure: breaking down two numerical components:
- 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: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Embrace 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 start.
- Get regular exercise: Attempt to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Cut down on salt consumption by limiting processed and fast food intake, as they frequently contain high levels of salt.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently adhere to the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Decrease anxiety: Make time for calming activities including mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or quiet reflection to help you unwind and find balance in your daily life.
- To prevent harm from loud noises, make sure to limit the time you spend around them. Remember to use ear protection when you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Think about utilizing 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 lead to better treatment outcomes and long-term auditory health.
The impact of high blood pressure on hearing health
A delicate web of miniature blood vessels resides within the ears, supplying the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function effectively. When hypertension jeopardize these vessels, the ear structures– particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
The stereocilia play a crucial role in converting sound waves into electrical signals that can be understood by the brain. Unfortunately, they do not regrow once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is typically permanent.
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 maintain their hearing abilities as they age, whereas individuals who have high blood pressure are more susceptible to experiencing hearing loss that can worsen over time.
Can ear pain be a sign of high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with noticeable symptoms. It is sometimes known as the “silent killer” as a result of this. Many people wrongly think that sensations like warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of elevated blood pressure. In reality, these symptoms are more likely due to hormonal changes, stress, or emotional reactions.
However, some people with hypertension do report intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you experience persistent tinnitus or suspect hearing changes, it’s essential to talk to a hearing care professional for a complete evaluation.
How to regulate blood pressure and protect your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can often be controlled through lifestyle changes and medical care. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the added benefit of safeguarding your hearing or stopping its decline.
Tips for lowering blood pressure
While managing hypertension is essential, it’s also crucial to take proactive steps to protect your ears.
Actions to safeguard your hearing health
In addition to controlling your blood pressure, the following practices can help you safeguard your hearing:
Worried about the potential risks to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you are dealing with high blood pressure and are experiencing issues with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves often, finding it hard to hear in loud environments, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is essential to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early treatment can make a substantial difference.
Reach out to us right away to take the first step toward better hearing.