When the majority of individuals think of the dangers linked to high blood pressure– also known as hypertension– they tend to focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. Were you aware that not managing high blood pressure could also heighten the probability of experiencing hearing loss, particularly as you grow older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, generally starts to show signs in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few obvious symptoms, yet the damage it does can be lasting and irreversible. Age-related hearing loss often results from extended exposure to sound, resulting in slow degeneration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. An essential but frequently disregarded factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to destroy the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you care?
Blood pressure tracks the force of blood pushing through your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. Over time, this can cause the vessels to condense, narrow, or become damaged, raising your risk for serious health problems– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers:
- The systolic reading, which is the top number, indicates the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- The diastolic pressure, indicated by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
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.
- Extreme Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 140/90 mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Embrace a heart-healthy diet: Emphasize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is an excellent place to begin.
- Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exersize per week.
- Minimize salt intake by restricting processed and fast food eating, as they frequently incorporate high levels of salt.
- Comply with medication instructions: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your doctor.
- Reduce stress: Integrate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, make sure to restrict the time you spend around them. Remember to use hearing protection when you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Use ear protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can minimize the danger of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Schedule regular hearing exams: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment results and long-term auditory health.
The impact of high blood pressure on ear health
The ears are home to a complex network of little blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When high blood pressure impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, may suffer harm.
The stereocilia play a crucial role in transforming sound waves into electrical signals that can be understood by the brain. Unfortunately, they do not regenerate once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is usually permanent.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely linked to the degree of hearing loss according to scientific research. Individuals with normal blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while those with high blood pressure are at greater danger for both developing and exacerbating hearing impairment.
Is ear soreness a sign of high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with obvious symptoms. It is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer” because of this. Many individuals falsly believe that sensations such as warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of high blood pressure. In reality, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional responses.
Certain individuals with high blood pressure might 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 important to talk to a hearing care professional for a comprehensive assessment.
Controlling blood pressure and protecting your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can often be managed through lifestyle modifications and medical treatment. Reducing your blood pressure may even help preserve your hearing or prevent further degeneration.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
Managing blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally important to take preventive steps to protect your hearing health.
Steps to protect your hearing health
In addition to managing your blood pressure, the following practices can help you safeguard your hearing:
Worried about the possible threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing indications of hearing problems– such as frequently asking people to repeat themselves, struggling to hear conversations in loud places, or turning up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act quickly as early intervention can have a significant impact.
Reach out to us right now to begin the journey to better hearing