When the majority of individuals think of the risks associated with high blood pressure– also called hypertension– they tend to focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your danger for hearing loss, particularly as you age?
Presbycusis, also called age-related hearing loss, normally starts to become noticeable in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few obvious signs, yet the damage it does can be lasting and irreversible. Age-related hearing loss often results from prolonged exposure to noise, leading to gradual degeneration of the ear’s delicate mechanisms over time. An essential but often neglected factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to destroy the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it significant to comprehend blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood moving through your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause strain to your blood vessels. Over time, this can cause the vessels to condense, narrow, or become damaged, increasing your risk for severe health issues– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers:
- The systolic reading, which is the higher 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.
Categories of blood pressure
- Normal: Less than 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
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Embrace a heart-healthy diet: Emphasize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Consider beginning with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy basis.
- Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Minimize salt intake by restricting processed and fast food intake, as they usually contain high levels of salt.
- Comply with medication instructions: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your doctor.
- Reduce anxiety: Make time for relaxing activities such as mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or quiet reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your daily life.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, make sure to restrict the time you spend around them. Don’t forget to use hearing protection when you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Think about utilizing protective gear for your ears, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to lower the chances of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Schedule routine 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
The ears are home to a complex network of tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When hypertension compromises these vessels, the ear structures– particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
These stereocilia are responsible for converting sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Sadly, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to heal themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage as a result of high blood pressure is frequently irreversible.
Scientific studies show a powerful correlation between high blood pressure and the severity of hearing loss. Individuals who have healthy blood pressure levels are more likely to maintain their hearing abilities as they age, whereas individuals who have high blood pressure are more prone to experiencing hearing loss that can worsen over time.
Is ear soreness a sign of high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with noticeable symptoms. It is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer” as a result of this. Many individuals falsly believe that feelings like warm ears or pressure in the ears are signs of elevated blood pressure. It’s probable that these symptoms are actually the result of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional responses.
Certain individuals who have high blood pressure may experience a worsening of tinnitus symptoms, characterized by a persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. If you experience chronic tinnitus or suspect hearing changes, it’s important to talk to a hearing care professional for a complete evaluation.
How to regulate blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can often be managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the added advantage of protecting your hearing or halting its decline.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
Regulating blood pressure is crucial, but it’s equally important 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:
Worried about hearing loss and blood pressure? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing signs of hearing problems– including frequently asking others to repeat what they said, struggling with conversations in loud locations, 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.
Reach out to us today to take the first step toward better hearing.