When most individuals think of the dangers associated with high blood pressure– also called hypertension– they tend to focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also increase your risk for hearing loss, especially as you get older?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, normally begins to become noticeable in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It develops slowly with few noticeable symptoms, yet the damage it does can be lasting and permanent. In many cases, this type of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One significant but often overlooked contributing factor is elevated blood pressure, which can damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you pay attention to?
Blood pressure is a measure of the power of blood flow in your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts excessive strain on your blood vessels. With time, this can cause the vessels to condense, narrow, or become damaged, raising your risk for serious health problems– including hearing loss.
Comprehending 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
- Extreme Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 140/90 mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Take advantage of 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 begin.
- Strive to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Minimize salt intake by limiting processed and fast food intake, as they frequently contain high levels of salt.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently follow the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Minimize stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your day-to-day regimen.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, be certain to restrict the time you spend around them. Remember to use hearing protection whenever you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Use ear protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can reduce the danger of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Regular exams with a hearing specialist can dramatically improve the effectiveness of treatment and total ear health by catching any potential issues early on.
The impact of high blood pressure on hearing health
A fragile web of miniature blood vessels exists within the ears, supplying the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to work properly. When high blood pressure affects these vessels, the structures in the ear, especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, might suffer damage.
These stereocilia are in charge of converting sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can translate. Unfortunately, they do not regrow once damaged. As a result, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is often irreversible.
High blood pressure has been found to be closely linked to the level of hearing loss according to scientific research. Individuals who have healthy blood pressure levels are more likely to maintain their hearing abilities as they get older, whereas individuals who have high blood pressure are more susceptible to experiencing hearing loss that can intensify over time.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
Even though high blood pressure can cause considerable blood vessel damage, it frequently does not manifest obvious warning signs. It is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer” as a result of this. Many individuals falsly think that sensations such as warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of high blood pressure. In reality, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional reactions.
Certain people with high blood pressure may experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, characterized by a relentless ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. If you experience chronic tinnitus or suspect hearing changes, it’s important to consult a hearing care professional for a comprehensive assessment.
How to manage blood pressure and protect your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be controlled by making alterations to one’s lifestyle and receiving medical care. Lowering your blood pressure may even help maintain your hearing or stop further deterioration.
Strategies for decreasing hypertension naturally
Regulating blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally important to take preventive measures to protect your hearing health.
Steps to safeguard your hearing health
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in safeguarding your hearing:
Concerned about hearing loss and blood pressure? Take action
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension and are experiencing signs of hearing difficulty– such as frequently asking people to repeat what they said, struggling to hear conversations in noisy locations, or turning up the volume on devices– it’s time to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act promptly as early intervention can have a substantial impact.
Reach out to us right now to begin the journey to improved hearing