Many people typically think of 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 elevate your danger for hearing loss, especially as you get older?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, generally begins to become evident in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might advance gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it causes is usually permanent. In many instances, this kind of hearing loss derives from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One substantial but often ignored contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can harm the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it important to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the power of blood flow in your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause strain to your blood vessels. Over time, this can cause the vessels to condense, narrow, or become damaged, raising your risk for serious health problems– including hearing loss.
Comprehending blood pressure: analyzing two numerical components:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) determines the pressure during heartbeats.
- The diastolic pressure, indicated by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
Blood pressure categories
- Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 hypertension is characterized as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Adopt 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 regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exersize every week.
- Cut down on salt intake by restricting processed and fast food eating, as they usually contain high levels of salt.
- Stick to medication instructions: If advised, consistently follow the instructions for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Minimize stress: Incorporate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, be certain to limit the time you spend around them. Remember to use hearing protection whenever you are at a concert, working with loud machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Think about using protective gear for your ears, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to lower the risks of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Schedule regular hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can lead to better treatment outcomes and long-term hearing health.
How high blood pressure can affect your ears
A delicate web of miniature blood vessels exists within the ears, providing the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to work properly. When hypertension compromises these vessels, the ear structures– especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
The stereocilia play a critical role in converting sound waves into electrical signals that can be understood by the brain. Regrettably, once they are damaged, they do not have the ability to restore themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is typically permanent.
Scientific studies show a powerful connection between high blood pressure and the severity of hearing loss. People with healthy blood pressure tend to maintain better hearing over time, while individuals with hypertension are at an increased danger for both developing and worsening hearing impairment.
Is ear soreness a sign of high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with noticeable symptoms. It is frequently known as the “silent killer” as a result of this. A prevalent misconception is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure suggest high blood pressure. Actually, these symptoms are more likely caused by hormonal changes, stress, or emotional responses.
Certain individuals with high blood pressure might experience a worsening of tinnitus symptoms, identified by a persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. If you have chronic tinnitus or notice hearing changes, it’s important to consult a hearing care professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
Managing blood pressure and protecting your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be regulated by making changes to one’s lifestyle and receiving medical care. Lowering your blood pressure might even help preserve your hearing or stop further degeneration.
Strategies for decreasing hypertension naturally
Managing blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally important to take preventive steps to protect your hearing health.
Steps to safeguard your hearing health
Besides managing your blood pressure, these actions can also aid in protecting your hearing:
Concerned about hearing loss and blood pressure? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing signs of hearing difficulty– including regularly asking people to repeat what they said, struggling with conversations in loud places, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act promptly as early intervention can have a substantial impact.
Reach out to us now to start the journey to better hearing