Many people normally think of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns associated with high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Were you aware that not controlling high blood pressure could also increase the likelihood of experiencing hearing impairment, particularly as you grow older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, generally starts to show indicators in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might advance gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it causes is often permanent. Age-related hearing loss frequently arises from extended exposure to noise, resulting in gradual degeneration of the ear’s delicate mechanisms over time. One significant but frequently overlooked contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you care?
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 vascular deterioration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn elevates the risk of developing severe health issues, including impaired hearing.
Comprehending 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.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) gauges pressure between beats.
Blood pressure categories
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Slightly High: Blood Pressure Ranges from 120-129 over Less Than 80
- Stage 1 hypertension is characterized as blood pressure readings of 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 supports 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.
- Try to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Cut down on salt consumption by limiting processed and fast food intake, as they usually incorporate high levels of salt.
- Follow medication instructions: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your doctor.
- Reduce stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily regimen.
- Steer clear of extended exposure to loud noise: Wear ear protection when going to concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in noisy environments.
- Use hearing protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can minimize the danger of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Regular check-ups with a hearing specialist can significantly improve the effectiveness of treatment and overall ear health by catching any potential issues early on.
How high blood pressure can impact your ears
A delicate web of miniature blood vessels resides within the ears, providing the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to work properly. When hypertension jeopardize these vessels, the ear structures– especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
These stereocilia are in charge of 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 as a result of high blood pressure is typically irreversible.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely connected to the level of hearing impairment according to scientific research. People with normal blood pressure tend to maintain better hearing over time, while individuals with hypertension are at an increased danger for both developing and exacerbating hearing impairment.
Is ear discomfort a symptom of high blood pressure?
Even though high blood pressure can lead to substantial blood vessel damage, it frequently does not manifest obvious warning signs. It is frequently referred to as the “silent killer” because of this. Many people wrongly believe that feelings like warm ears or pressure in the ears are signs of high blood pressure. Actually, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional responses.
However, some individuals with hypertension do experience worsened symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you experience chronic tinnitus or notice hearing changes, it’s important to consult a hearing care professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
Controlling blood pressure and safeguarding your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can typically be managed through lifestyle modifications and medical care. Reducing your blood pressure may even help preserve your hearing or stop further degeneration.
Tips for lowering blood pressure
While treating hypertension is important, it’s also crucial to take practical steps to protect your hearing.
Safeguarding your hearing: essential measures
Along with controlling your blood pressure, the following habits can help you safeguard your hearing:
Worried about hearing loss and blood pressure? Take action
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing problems with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves often, finding it difficult to hear in noisy environments, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is important to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your auditory well-being is important. Act promptly as early action can have a considerable impact.
Reach out to us now to start the journey to better hearing