When the majority of individuals think of the risks associated with high blood pressure– also known as hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you know that unmanaged hypertension can also increase your risk for hearing loss, especially as you get older?
Presbycusis, also called age-related hearing loss, generally starts to become evident in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might progress gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it causes is usually permanent. Age-related hearing loss often arises from extended exposure to sound, leading to slow degeneration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. An essential but frequently neglected factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to destroy the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you pay attention to?
Blood pressure measures 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 severe health complications, including impaired hearing.
Understanding blood pressure: breaking down 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
- 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.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- 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 an excellent place to start.
- Try to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Reduce salt intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are typically high in salt.
- Comply with medication guidelines: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your physician.
- Reduce stress: Make time for calming activities including mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or quiet reflection to help you unwind and find balance in your day-to-day life.
- To prevent harm from loud noises, be certain to restrict the time you spend around them. Remember to use hearing protection when you are at a concert, working with loud machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Think about 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 routine hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can lead to better treatment outcomes and long-term auditory health.
The consequences of high blood pressure on hearing health
The ears are home to a complex network of tiny blood vessels that supply 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 in charge of converting sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can translate. Regrettably, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to heal themselves. Therefore, hearing impairment resulting from vascular damage as a result of high blood pressure is frequently irreversible.
Scientific studies show a powerful correlation between high blood pressure and the extent of hearing loss. People with healthy blood pressure tend to maintain better hearing over time, while those with hypertension are at greater risk for both developing and exacerbating hearing impairment.
Can ear pain be a sign of high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with noticeable symptoms. It is commonly called the “silent killer” because of this. A prevalent misconception is that sensations such as “hot ears” or ear pressure suggest high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are really the outcome of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional reactions.
Certain individuals with high blood pressure might experience a worsening of tinnitus symptoms, characterized by a persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. If you experience chronic tinnitus or suspect hearing changes, it’s essential to consult a hearing care professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
How to manage blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be controlled by making changes to one’s lifestyle and receiving medical care. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the added advantage of safeguarding your hearing or halting its decline.
Strategies for decreasing hypertension naturally
While managing hypertension is important, it’s also important to take proactive steps to protect your ears.
Steps to safeguard your hearing health
In addition to managing your blood pressure, the following habits can help you safeguard your hearing:
Worried about the potential threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing signs of hearing problems– including frequently asking people to repeat what they said, struggling to hear conversations in noisy locations, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your auditory well-being is important. Act quickly as early action can have a considerable impact.
Reach out to us right now to begin the journey to improved hearing
