When most people think of the risks associated with high blood pressure– also called hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. Were you aware that not managing high blood pressure could also increase the likelihood of experiencing hearing loss, especially as you grow older?
Presbycusis, also called age-related hearing loss, normally starts to become evident in individuals aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few noticeable symptoms, yet the harm 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 important but often neglected factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you pay attention to?
Blood pressure is a measure of the strength of blood flow in your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts excessive strain on your blood vessels. Extended exposure to this condition can lead to vascular degeneration, causing the blood vessels to become rigid, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn raises the danger of developing serious health issues, including impaired hearing.
Understanding blood pressure: breaking down two numerical components:
- The systolic reading, which is the top number, indicates the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) gauges 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: 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)
- Take advantage of a diet that supports heart health by focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is an excellent place to begin.
- Strive to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes every week to maintain regular exercise.
- Reduce salt intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are typically high in salt.
- Follow medication guidelines: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your physician.
- Reduce anxiety: Make time for calming activities such as mindfulness exercises, mild stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your day-to-day life.
- 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 noisy machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Think about utilizing protective gear for your ears, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to lower the chances of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Routine exams with a hearing specialist can considerably improve the effectiveness of treatment and total ear health by recognizing any potential issues early on.
The consequences of high blood pressure on hearing health
A delicate web of miniature blood vessels exists within the ears, supplying the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function effectively. When hypertension compromises these vessels, the ear structures– particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
These stereocilia are responsible for converting sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Sadly, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to heal themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is typically permanent.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely connected to the level of hearing impairment according to scientific research. Individuals who have healthy blood pressure levels are more likely to preserve their hearing abilities as they age, whereas those who have high blood pressure are more prone to experiencing hearing loss that can worsen 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 often called the “silent killer” for this reason. Many people falsly believe that sensations such as warm ears or pressure in the ears are signs of high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are actually the result of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense emotional reactions.
However, some individuals with hypertension do report worsened symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you experience chronic tinnitus or notice hearing changes, it’s essential to consult a hearing care professional for a complete assessment.
Managing blood pressure and protecting your hearing
Blood pressure can usually be controlled by making changes to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Lowering your blood pressure may even help maintain your hearing or stop further deterioration.
Strategies for reducing hypertension naturally
Managing blood pressure is crucial, but it’s equally important to take preventive measures to safeguard your hearing health.
Steps to protect your hearing health
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in safeguarding your hearing:
Worried about the possible threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Take action
If you are dealing with high blood pressure and are experiencing problems with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves frequently, finding it difficult to hear in loud settings, or needing to increase the volume on your devices, it is essential to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early intervention can make a considerable difference.
Contact us today to take the first step toward better hearing.