Many individuals typically think of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns associated with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Were you aware that not managing high blood pressure could also heighten the probability of experiencing hearing impairment, especially as you grow older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, usually starts to show indicators in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might advance gradually and without noticeable symptoms, but the damage it creates is usually permanent. Age-related hearing loss frequently results from prolonged exposure to sound, resulting in slow degeneration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. One significant but often overlooked contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can harm the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it important to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the power of blood flow in your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause strain to your blood vessels. Prolonged exposure to this condition can lead to arterial degeneration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or compromised, which in turn elevates the danger of developing severe health issues, including impaired hearing.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:
- The systolic reading, which is the top number, indicates the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures pressure between beats.
Categories of blood pressure
- Normal: Less than 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. Consider beginning with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy foundation.
- Get routine exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Decrease salt intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are often high in salt.
- Follow medication instructions: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your doctor.
- Minimize stress: Incorporate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine.
- Steer clear of extended exposure to loud noise: Wear ear protection when going to concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in noisy environments.
- 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 exams: 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
A fragile web of miniature blood vessels exists within the ears, supplying the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to function properly. When hypertension compromises these vessels, the ear structures– particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
The stereocilia play a critical role in transforming sound waves into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain. Unfortunately, they do not regenerate once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is usually permanent.
High blood pressure has been found to be closely linked to the level of hearing impairment according to scientific research. People with healthy blood pressure tend to maintain better hearing over time, while individuals with high blood pressure are at greater danger for both developing and worsening hearing loss.
Is ear soreness a sign of high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with obvious symptoms. It is commonly referred to as the “silent killer” for this reason. Many individuals falsly believe that sensations such as 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 individuals with hypertension do report intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or notice any changes in your hearing, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a detailed assessment to identify the cause.
How to regulate blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently 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.
Tips for lowering blood pressure
Managing blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally important to take preventive measures to protect your hearing health.
Safeguarding your hearing: vital measures
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in protecting your hearing:
Worried about hearing loss and blood pressure? 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 loud environments, or needing to increase the volume on your devices, it is essential to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act promptly as early intervention can have a significant impact.
Reach out to us right now to begin the journey to better hearing