Many individuals normally think of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the primary health concerns associated with high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Were you aware that not controlling high blood pressure could also heighten the likelihood of experiencing hearing impairment, especially as you grow older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, generally starts to show indicators in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might progress gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it creates is often permanent. In many cases, this kind of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One substantial but often overlooked contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can damage the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you pay attention to?
Blood pressure is a measure of the strength of blood flow in your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. With time, this can cause the vessels to condense, narrow, or become damaged, raising your risk for serious health issues– including hearing loss.
Understanding blood pressure: breaking down two numerical components:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) determines the pressure during heartbeats.
- 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: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Over 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 focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is an excellent place to begin.
- Get routine exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Decrease salt intake: Limit processed and fast foods, which are often high in salt.
- Stick to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently follow the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your physician.
- Decrease stress: Make time for calming activities such as mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your daily life.
- To prevent damage 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.
- Use ear protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can reduce the risk of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Schedule regular hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment outcomes and long-term auditory health.
How high blood pressure can affect your ears
The ears are home to an intricate network of little blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When high blood pressure affects these vessels, the structures in the ear, especially the cochlea and small sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, might suffer damage.
The stereocilia play a critical role in converting 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 loss resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is frequently permanent.
Scientific studies show a strong correlation between elevated blood pressure and the severity of hearing loss. People who have healthy blood pressure levels are more likely to preserve their hearing abilities as they age, whereas those who have high blood pressure are more prone to experiencing hearing loss that can intensify over time.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
Although high blood pressure can lead to considerable blood vessel damage, it frequently does not exhibit noticeable warning signs. It is commonly referred to as the “silent killer” because of this. A prevalent misconception is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure suggest high blood pressure. In reality, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional responses.
However, some people with hypertension do experience intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any changes in your hearing, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause.
Managing blood pressure and safeguarding your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be regulated by making changes to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the additional advantage of protecting your hearing or stopping its decline.
Strategies for reducing hypertension naturally
Managing blood pressure is crucial, but it’s equally vital to take preventive steps to safeguard your hearing health.
Actions to protect your hearing health
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these actions can also aid in protecting your hearing:
Concerned about hearing loss and blood pressure? Take action
If you have high blood pressure and are experiencing issues with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves frequently, finding it hard to hear in noisy settings, or needing to increase the volume on your devices, it is essential to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early treatment can make a considerable difference.
Reach out to us right away to take the first step toward better hearing.