Many people normally think of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns related to high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Were you aware that not controlling high blood pressure could also heighten the likelihood of experiencing hearing loss, especially as you grow older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, generally begins to show indicators in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It develops slowly with few obvious signs, yet the harm it inflicts can be lasting and permanent. Age-related hearing loss frequently arises from extended exposure to sound, resulting in gradual deterioration of the ear’s delicate mechanisms over time. One substantial but frequently overlooked contributing factor is elevated blood pressure, which can damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it important to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure tracks the force of blood pushing through your arteries. When this pressure is persistently too high, it puts excessive strain on your blood vessels. Extended exposure to this condition can lead to arterial degeneration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn elevates the risk of developing serious health problems, including impaired hearing.
Understanding blood pressure: analyzing two numerical components:
- The systolic reading, which is the higher number, signifies the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- The diastolic pressure, shown by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
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
- 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 emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. Consider beginning with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy basis.
- Try to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Minimize salt consumption by limiting processed and fast food eating, as they frequently contain high levels of salt.
- Follow medication guidelines: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your doctor.
- Minimize stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your day-to-day routine.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise: Wear ear protection when going to concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in noisy settings.
- Use ear protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can reduce the danger of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Schedule routine hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can lead to better treatment results and long-term hearing health.
How high blood pressure can affect your ears
The ears are home to an intricate network of little blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When high blood pressure affects these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and small sensory hair cells called stereocilia, might sustain damage.
The stereocilia play a critical role in transforming sound waves into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain. Sadly, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to repair themselves. Therefore, hearing impairment resulting from vascular damage as a result of high blood pressure is typically irreversible.
Scientific studies show a strong connection between elevated blood pressure and the extent of hearing loss. Individuals with normal blood pressure tend to maintain better hearing over time, while individuals with hypertension are at greater danger for both developing and exacerbating hearing impairment.
Can ear pain be a sign of high blood pressure?
Even though high blood pressure can lead to substantial blood vessel damage, it frequently does not manifest noticeable warning signs. It is often called the “silent killer” for this reason. Many people wrongly believe that sensations such as warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are really the outcome of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense emotional reactions.
However, some people with hypertension do experience intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any shifts in your hearing, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a thorough assessment to identify the cause.
How to regulate blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
Blood pressure can usually be regulated by making alterations to one’s lifestyle and receiving medical care. Reducing your blood pressure may even help maintain your hearing or prevent further degeneration.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
While managing hypertension is important, it’s also crucial to take practical measures to safeguard your hearing.
Protecting your hearing: vital steps
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in safeguarding your hearing:
Worried about hearing loss and blood pressure? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension and are experiencing signs of hearing problems– including regularly asking others to repeat themselves, struggling with conversations in loud locations, or cranking 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 start the journey to better hearing