Many people typically consider heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns related to high blood pressure, also called hypertension. But did you know that unmanaged hypertension can also increase your danger for hearing loss, particularly as you age?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, usually begins to show signs in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few noticeable symptoms, yet the damage it inflicts can be lasting and permanent. In many cases, this type of hearing loss derives from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One significant but frequently overlooked contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can harm the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it significant to comprehend blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing through your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause stress to your blood vessels. Over time, this can cause the vessels to condense, narrow, or become damaged, increasing your risk for serious health issues– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:
- The systolic reading, which is the higher number, signifies the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- The diastolic pressure, indicated by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
Categories of blood pressure
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Slightly High: Blood Pressure Ranges from 120-129 over Less Than 80
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Embrace 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 regular exercise: Attempt to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exersize per week.
- Reduce salt intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are often high in sodium.
- Comply with medication guidelines: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your physician.
- Reduce stress: Make time for relaxing activities such as mindfulness exercises, mild stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find balance in your daily life.
- Steer clear of prolonged exposure to loud noise: Wear ear protection when attending concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in loud environments.
- Use ear protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can reduce the danger of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Regular check-ups with a hearing specialist can substantially enhance the success of treatment and overall ear health by recognizing any potential issues early on.
How high blood pressure can impact your ears
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 small sensory hair cells called stereocilia, may sustain harm.
These stereocilia are in charge of translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. 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 irreversible.
Scientific studies reveal a strong connection between high blood pressure and the severity of hearing loss. People who have regular blood pressure levels are more likely to preserve their hearing abilities as they get older, whereas those who have high blood pressure are more susceptible to experiencing hearing loss that can worsen over time.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
Although high blood pressure can cause considerable blood vessel damage, it frequently does not manifest obvious warning signs. It is sometimes known as the “silent killer” as a result of this. A common misconception is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. Actually, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional responses.
Certain individuals with high blood pressure may experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, identified by a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any changes in your hearing, it’s crucial to make an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a detailed examination 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. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the added advantage of protecting your hearing or stopping its decline.
Strategies for reducing hypertension naturally
Regulating blood pressure is crucial, 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 protecting your hearing:
Concerned about hearing loss and blood pressure? 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 frequently, finding it difficult to hear in loud settings, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is important to make an appointment with a hearing professional.
Your hearing health is important. Act quickly as early action can have a substantial impact.
Reach out to us now to start the journey to better hearing