Many individuals normally think of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the primary health concerns associated with high blood pressure, also called hypertension. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your risk for hearing loss, particularly as you age?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, typically starts to show signs in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might progress gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it creates is usually permanent. In many instances, this type of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One significant but frequently overlooked contributing factor is elevated 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 excessive strain on your blood vessels. Over time, this can cause the vessels to stiffen, narrow, or become damaged, raising your risk for serious health issues– including hearing loss.
Understanding blood pressure: breaking down two numerical components:
- The systolic reading, which is the top number, signifies the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- The diastolic pressure, shown by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
Blood pressure categories
- 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
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Embrace a diet that supports 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 routine exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Decrease sodium intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are typically 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 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.
- Avoid extended exposure to loud noise: Wear hearing protection when attending concerts, working with loud equipment, or in loud settings.
- Think about using protective gear for your ears, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to lower 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 hearing health
A delicate web of miniature blood vessels resides within the ears, providing the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to function properly. When high blood pressure impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and small sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, may suffer damage.
These stereocilia are responsible for translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can translate. Regrettably, 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.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely linked to the degree of hearing impairment according to scientific research. Individuals with normal blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while individuals with high blood pressure are at an increased danger for both developing and worsening hearing impairment.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with obvious symptoms. It is sometimes known as the “silent killer” because of this. A common misconception is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. It’s probable that these symptoms are really the outcome of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense emotional responses.
Certain people who have high blood pressure may experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, identified by a persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any shifts in your hearing, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a detailed examination to determine the cause.
Controlling blood pressure and protecting your hearing
Blood pressure can usually be regulated by making changes to one’s lifestyle and receiving medical care. Reducing your blood pressure might even help maintain your hearing or prevent further deterioration.
Strategies for decreasing hypertension naturally
Regulating blood pressure is crucial, but it’s equally important to take preventive steps to protect your hearing health.
Safeguarding your hearing: essential measures
Along with managing 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 have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing signs of hearing difficulty– such as regularly asking others to repeat themselves, struggling to hear conversations in loud places, or turning up the volume on devices– it’s time to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early intervention can make a considerable difference.
Contact us today to take the first step toward better hearing.