Many individuals typically think of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the primary health concerns associated with high blood pressure, also called hypertension. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your danger for hearing loss, particularly as you get older?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, generally starts to become evident in individuals aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few obvious signs, yet the damage it does can be lasting and permanent. Age-related hearing loss often arises from extended exposure to sound, leading to gradual degeneration of the ear’s delicate mechanisms over time. An essential but often ignored factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it important to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing through your arteries. When this pressure is persistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. Over time, this can cause the vessels to stiffen, narrow, or become damaged, raising your risk for serious health problems– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:
- The systolic reading, which is the top number, indicates the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures pressure between beats.
Categories of blood pressure
- Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg
- Slightly High: Blood Pressure Ranges from 120-129 over Less Than 80
- Stage 1 hypertension is defined 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)
- Embrace a diet that promotes heart health by focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is a great place to start.
- Get routine exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Reduce salt intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are typically high in salt.
- Comply with medication instructions: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your physician.
- Minimize stress: Integrate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your day-to-day regimen.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, be certain to restrict the time you spend around them. Don’t forget to use hearing protection whenever you are at a concert, working with loud machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Consider utilizing protective gear for your ears, including earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to lower the chances of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Schedule routine hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment outcomes and long-term hearing health.
How high blood pressure can impact your ears
The ears are home to an intricate network of tiny 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, might sustain harm.
These stereocilia are responsible for translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Regrettably, they do not regenerate once damaged. As a result, hearing loss from vascular damage caused by high blood pressure is typically permanent.
High blood pressure has been found to be closely connected to the level of hearing loss according to scientific research. Individuals who have healthy blood pressure levels are more likely to preserve their hearing abilities as they get older, whereas those who have high blood pressure are more prone to experiencing hearing loss that can worsen over time.
Is ear soreness a symptom of high blood pressure?
Although high blood pressure can cause significant blood vessel damage, it frequently does not exhibit obvious warning signs. It is commonly called the “silent killer” because of this. Many individuals wrongly think that feelings like warm ears or pressure in the ears are signs of high blood pressure. In reality, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional responses.
Certain people with high blood pressure may experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, characterized by a relentless ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. If you experience persistent tinnitus or suspect hearing changes, it’s essential to talk to a hearing care professional for a comprehensive assessment.
How to manage blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be regulated by making alterations to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the additional benefit of safeguarding your hearing or stopping its decline.
Tips for lowering blood pressure
Regulating blood pressure is crucial, but it’s equally vital to take preventive steps to safeguard your hearing health.
Safeguarding your hearing: vital steps
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in safeguarding your hearing:
Worried about the potential threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Take action
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing signs of hearing difficulty– such as frequently asking people to repeat themselves, struggling to hear conversations in noisy locations, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early treatment can make a significant difference.
Contact us today to take the first step toward better hearing.