Many people normally consider heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns related to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Were you aware that not controlling high blood pressure could also increase the probability of experiencing hearing impairment, particularly as you grow older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, usually starts to show signs in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might advance gradually and without noticeable symptoms, but the damage it causes 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 harm the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it significant to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure tracks 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.
Understanding blood pressure: breaking down two numerical components:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) determines the pressure during heartbeats.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) gauges pressure between beats.
Categories of blood pressure
- 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.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Embrace a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy 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 activity per week.
- Reduce sodium intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are often high in salt.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently adhere to the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Reduce stress: Integrate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily regimen.
- To prevent harm from loud noises, be certain to limit the time you spend around them. Don’t forget to use ear protection when you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Consider utilizing protective gear for your ears, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to reduce the chances of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Schedule regular hearing exams: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment outcomes and long-term auditory health.
How high blood pressure can impact your ears
A delicate web of miniature blood vessels resides within the ears, supplying the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to work properly. When hypertension compromises these vessels, the ear structures– particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells known as stereocilia– can become damaged.
These stereocilia are in charge of converting sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Sadly, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to restore themselves. Therefore, hearing impairment resulting from vascular damage as a result of high blood pressure is typically permanent.
Scientific studies reveal a powerful connection between elevated blood pressure and the severity of hearing loss. Individuals with normal blood pressure tend to maintain better hearing over time, while individuals with high blood pressure are at an increased danger for both developing and worsening hearing loss.
Is ear discomfort a symptom of high blood pressure?
Despite 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. A common misconception is that sensations such as “hot ears” or ear pressure suggest high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are really the result of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense emotional reactions.
Certain individuals who have high blood pressure may experience a worsening of tinnitus symptoms, identified by a relentless ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. If you experience chronic tinnitus or notice hearing changes, it’s essential to consult a hearing care professional for a complete evaluation.
How to manage blood pressure and protect your hearing
Blood pressure can usually be regulated by making changes to one’s lifestyle and receiving medical care. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the additional benefit of safeguarding your hearing or halting its decline.
Strategies for reducing hypertension naturally
While managing hypertension is important, it’s also important to take practical measures to safeguard your ears.
Safeguarding your hearing: essential steps
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in safeguarding your hearing:
Worried about hearing loss and blood pressure? Take action
If you are dealing with high blood pressure and are experiencing problems with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves often, finding it hard to hear in noisy environments, or needing to increase the volume on your devices, it is important to schedule 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.
