Many people typically consider heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns related to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. But did you know that unmanaged hypertension can also increase your risk for hearing loss, especially as you get older?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, generally begins to become evident in individuals aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It develops slowly with few obvious signs, yet the damage it inflicts can be lasting and permanent. In many instances, this kind of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. An essential but frequently neglected factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to destroy the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it significant to understand blood pressure?
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. Prolonged exposure to this condition can result in vascular degeneration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn raises the danger of developing serious health issues, including impaired hearing.
Your blood pressure reading is made up 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
- Slightly High: Blood Pressure Ranges from 120-129 over Less Than 80
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Over 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 basis.
- Get routine exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Reduce salt intake: Limit processed and fast foods, which are typically high in sodium.
- Stick to medication instructions: If advised, consistently adhere to the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Decrease anxiety: Make time for relaxing activities such as mindfulness exercises, mild stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your day-to-day life.
- Avoid extended exposure to loud noise: Wear ear protection when attending concerts, working with loud equipment, or in noisy environments.
- Use ear protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can minimize the risk of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Schedule routine hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment results and long-term auditory health.
The consequences of high blood pressure on ear health
The ears are home to a complex network of little blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When hypertension jeopardize these vessels, the ear structures– especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells known as stereocilia– can become damaged.
These stereocilia are responsible for converting sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Regrettably, they do not regenerate once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage caused by high blood pressure is typically irreversible.
High blood pressure has been found to be closely linked to the degree of hearing impairment according to scientific research. Individuals who have regular blood pressure levels are more likely to maintain their hearing abilities as they age, whereas individuals who have high blood pressure are more susceptible to experiencing hearing loss that can intensify over time.
Can ear pain be a sign of high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with obvious symptoms. It is sometimes known as the “silent killer” because of this. A prevalent myth is that sensations such as “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are actually the result of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional responses.
Certain individuals with high blood pressure might experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, characterized by a relentless ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any shifts in your hearing, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a detailed assessment to determine the cause.
How to manage blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
Blood pressure can usually be regulated by making alterations 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 treating hypertension is important, it’s also important to take proactive measures to safeguard your hearing.
Safeguarding your hearing: essential steps
In addition to managing your blood pressure, the following practices can help you protect your hearing:
Worried about the possible risks to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you have high blood pressure and are experiencing issues with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves often, finding it difficult to hear in noisy environments, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is essential to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early treatment can make a considerable difference.
Contact us right away to take the first step toward better hearing.