Many people normally think of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns related to high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Were you aware that not controlling high blood pressure could also heighten the probability of experiencing hearing loss, especially as you grow older?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, normally begins to become evident in individuals aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It develops slowly with few noticeable signs, yet the damage it inflicts can be lasting and permanent. Age-related hearing loss often arises from extended exposure to sound, leading to gradual degeneration of the ear’s delicate mechanisms over time. An essential but frequently neglected factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it significant to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the power of blood flow in your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. Prolonged exposure to this condition can lead to arterial deterioration, causing the blood vessels to become rigid, constricted, or compromised, which in turn raises the risk of developing serious health complications, including impaired hearing.
Your blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) measures the pressure during heartbeats.
- The diastolic pressure, shown by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
Blood pressure categories
- Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg
- Slightly High: Blood Pressure Ranges from 120-129 over Less Than 80
- Stage 1 hypertension is defined as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 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 start.
- Get routine exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity every week.
- Decrease salt intake: Limit processed and fast foods, which are often high in sodium.
- Comply with medication instructions: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your physician.
- Decrease anxiety: Make time for relaxing activities including mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your day-to-day life.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, make sure to restrict the time you spend around them. Don’t forget to use ear protection when you are at a concert, working with loud machinery, or in loud settings.
- Consider using protective gear for your ears, including earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to reduce the risks of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Regular exams with a hearing specialist can significantly enhance the effectiveness of treatment and overall ear health by catching any potential issues early on.
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 impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and small sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, might suffer damage.
The stereocilia play a crucial role in transforming sound waves into electrical signals that can be understood by the brain. Unfortunately, they do not regrow once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage caused by high blood pressure is typically irreversible.
Scientific studies show a strong connection between elevated blood pressure and the severity of hearing loss. People with healthy blood pressure tend to maintain better hearing over time, while those with hypertension are at an increased danger for both developing and worsening hearing loss.
Can ear pain be a sign of high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular damage it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with obvious symptoms. It is often called the “silent killer” because of this. A common misconception is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are really the outcome of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional reactions.
Certain people with high blood pressure might 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 notice any changes in your hearing, it’s crucial to make an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause.
How to regulate blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can often be controlled through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the additional benefit of safeguarding your hearing or stopping its decline.
Strategies for decreasing hypertension naturally
While managing hypertension is important, it’s also crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your ears.
Protecting your hearing: essential measures
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these actions 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– including frequently asking others to repeat themselves, struggling with conversations in noisy places, or turning up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early intervention can make a substantial difference.
Reach out to us today to take the first step toward better hearing.