When the majority of people think of the risks linked to high blood pressure– also called hypertension– they tend to focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. Were you aware that not controlling high blood pressure could also heighten the probability of experiencing hearing impairment, particularly as you grow older?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, normally starts to become noticeable in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few noticeable symptoms, yet the damage it inflicts can be lasting and permanent. Age-related hearing loss frequently arises from prolonged exposure to noise, resulting in gradual deterioration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. An essential but often neglected factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to damage the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it significant to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the power of blood flow in 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 arterial deterioration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn elevates the risk of developing serious health issues, including impaired hearing.
Comprehending blood pressure: breaking down two numerical components:
- The systolic reading, which is the higher number, signifies the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- The diastolic pressure, indicated by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
Categories of blood pressure
- Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Embrace a diet that supports heart health by focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is a great place to begin.
- Try 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 sodium.
- Comply with medication guidelines: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your physician.
- Reduce stress: Make time for relaxing activities including mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your daily life.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise: Wear hearing protection when attending concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in noisy environments.
- Consider 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 result in better treatment outcomes and long-term auditory health.
The impact of high blood pressure on hearing health
The ears are home to an intricate network of tiny blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When hypertension compromises these vessels, the ear structures– especially 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. Unfortunately, they do not regenerate once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage caused by high blood pressure is often permanent.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely connected to the level of hearing loss according to scientific research. Individuals who have regular blood pressure levels are more likely to maintain their hearing abilities as they get older, whereas individuals who have high blood pressure are more prone to experiencing hearing loss that can worsen over time.
Is ear soreness a sign of high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with obvious symptoms. It is sometimes known as the “silent killer” as a result of this. Many individuals wrongly think that sensations like warm ears or pressure in the ears are signs of elevated blood pressure. It’s probable that these symptoms are actually the result of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional responses.
However, some individuals with hypertension do experience intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have chronic tinnitus or suspect hearing changes, it’s important to consult a hearing care professional for a complete assessment.
Controlling blood pressure and protecting your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be controlled by making alterations to one’s lifestyle and receiving medical care. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the additional benefit of protecting your hearing or halting its decline.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
Managing blood pressure is crucial, but it’s equally important to take preventive steps to protect your hearing health.
Protecting your hearing: essential measures
Along with managing your blood pressure, the following habits can help you protect your hearing:
Worried about the potential threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Take action
If you have 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 noisy settings, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is important to schedule an appointment with a hearing professional.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early treatment can make a substantial difference.
Reach out to us right away to take the first step toward better hearing.
