When most individuals think of the risks associated with high blood pressure– also known as hypertension– they tend to focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you know that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your danger for hearing loss, particularly as you get older?

Presbycusis, also called age-related hearing loss, normally starts to become noticeable in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might advance gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it causes is often permanent. In many cases, this type of hearing loss derives from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One substantial but often ignored contributing factor is elevated blood pressure, which can damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.

Why is it important to understand blood pressure?

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. With time, this can cause the vessels to condense, narrow, or become damaged, raising your risk for severe health problems– including hearing loss.

Understanding blood pressure: analyzing two numerical components:

• Systolic pressure (the top number) determines the pressure during heartbeats.
• 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
• Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Over 140/90 mm Hg
• Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)

How high blood pressure can affect your ears

The ears are home to an intricate network of little blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When hypertension jeopardize these vessels, the ear structures– particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.

These stereocilia are in charge of converting sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Regrettably, they do not regrow once damaged. As a result, hearing loss from vascular damage caused by high blood pressure is typically permanent.

High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely linked to the degree of hearing impairment according to scientific research. Individuals with healthy 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.

Is ear soreness a symptom of high blood pressure?

In spite of the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with obvious symptoms. It is often called the “silent killer” for this reason. A common myth is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure suggest high blood pressure. It’s probable that these symptoms are really the result of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense emotional responses.

Certain individuals who have high blood pressure might experience a worsening of tinnitus symptoms, identified by a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or notice any changes in your hearing, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a thorough assessment to identify the cause.

How to regulate blood pressure and safeguard your hearing

Blood pressure can usually be controlled by making changes to one’s lifestyle and receiving medical care. Lowering your blood pressure might even help preserve your hearing or prevent further deterioration.

Strategies for decreasing hypertension naturally

• Take advantage of a diet that supports heart health by emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. Consider beginning with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy foundation.
• Get regular exercise: Attempt to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exersize every week.
• Cut down on salt consumption by restricting processed and fast food intake, as they usually incorporate high levels of salt.
• Stick to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently adhere to the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided 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 day-to-day life.

While treating hypertension is essential, it’s also crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your hearing.

Protecting your hearing: vital steps

Along with controlling your blood pressure, the following habits can help you safeguard your hearing:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise: Use ear protection when attending concerts, working with loud equipment, or in noisy environments.
• Think about utilizing 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.
• Routine check-ups with a hearing specialist can dramatically enhance the success of treatment and total ear health by catching any potential issues early on.

Concerned about hearing loss and blood pressure? Take action

If you have high blood pressure and are experiencing problems with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves frequently, finding it difficult to hear in loud environments, or needing to increase the volume on your devices, it is important to schedule an appointment with a hearing professional.

Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early treatment can make a significant difference.
Contact us right away to take the first step toward better hearing.