Many people typically consider heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the primary health concerns related to high blood pressure, also called hypertension. But did you know that unmanaged hypertension can also increase your risk for hearing loss, especially as you age?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, usually starts to show indicators in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It may advance gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it creates is often permanent. In many cases, this kind of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One substantial but frequently overlooked contributing factor is elevated blood pressure, which can damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it important to comprehend blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood moving through your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause stress to your blood vessels. Over time, this can cause the vessels to stiffen, narrow, or become damaged, raising your risk for severe health issues– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) determines the pressure during heartbeats.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures pressure between beats.
Blood pressure categories
- Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 hypertension is characterized as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Extreme Hypertension: Blood Pressure Over 140/90 mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Take advantage of a diet that promotes heart health by emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is an excellent place to begin.
- Strive to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes every week to maintain regular exercise.
- Cut down on salt consumption by limiting processed and fast food intake, as they frequently incorporate high levels of sodium.
- 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, mild stretches, or quiet reflection to help you unwind and find balance in your daily life.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, make sure to restrict the time you spend around them. Remember to use hearing protection whenever you are at a concert, working with loud machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Think about using 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.
- Regular check-ups with a hearing specialist can considerably enhance the success of treatment and overall ear health by recognizing any potential issues early on.
How high blood pressure can affect your ears
The ears are home to a complex 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 called stereocilia, may suffer harm.
These stereocilia are in charge of translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Regrettably, 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 permanent.
Scientific studies show a powerful correlation between elevated blood pressure and the extent of hearing loss. People with healthy blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while those with hypertension are at greater risk for both developing and worsening hearing impairment.
Can ear pain be a sign of high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular damage it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with obvious symptoms. It is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer” as a result of this. Many people wrongly believe that feelings such as warm ears or pressure in the ears are signs of elevated blood pressure. Actually, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional responses.
However, some people with hypertension do report worsened symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have chronic tinnitus or notice hearing changes, it’s essential to consult a hearing care professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
How to regulate blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
Blood pressure can usually be regulated by making changes to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Reducing your blood pressure might even help maintain your hearing or stop further degeneration.
Strategies for decreasing hypertension naturally
Regulating blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally important to take preventive steps to safeguard your hearing health.
Actions to safeguard your hearing health
Along with controlling 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 indications of hearing difficulty– including frequently asking others to repeat themselves, struggling with conversations in noisy places, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early treatment can make a considerable difference.
Reach out to us today to take the first step toward better hearing.