Many individuals typically consider heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns associated with 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?
Presbycusis, also called age-related hearing loss, generally starts to become evident in individuals aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It develops slowly with few obvious symptoms, yet the damage it inflicts can be lasting and permanent. In many instances, this type of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. One significant but frequently overlooked contributing factor is elevated blood pressure, which can damage the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it significant to comprehend blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the strength of blood flow in your arteries. When this pressure is persistently too high, it puts excessive strain on your blood vessels. Extended exposure to this condition can result in arterial degeneration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or compromised, which in turn elevates the risk of developing serious health problems, including impaired hearing.
Understanding 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, shown 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
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Over 140/90 mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Embrace a diet that supports heart health by emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. Consider starting with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy foundation.
- Strive to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes every week to maintain regular exercise.
- Minimize salt intake by restricting processed and fast food eating, as they usually incorporate high levels of salt.
- Comply with medication guidelines: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your physician.
- Decrease anxiety: Make time for relaxing activities including mindfulness exercises, mild stretches, or quiet reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your day-to-day life.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise: Use hearing protection when attending concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in noisy settings.
- Use hearing protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can reduce the risk of sound-induced hearing damage.
- 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 ear health
A fragile web of miniature blood vessels resides within the ears, providing the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to function properly. When high blood pressure impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, may sustain damage.
These stereocilia are responsible for translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can translate. Regrettably, they do not regrow once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage caused by high blood pressure is usually irreversible.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely linked to the degree of hearing loss according to scientific research. People with healthy blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while those with high blood pressure are at an increased risk for both developing and worsening hearing impairment.
Is ear soreness a symptom of high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with noticeable symptoms. It is frequently referred to as the “silent killer” as a result of this. A prevalent myth is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. It’s probable that these symptoms are really the result of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional reactions.
However, some individuals with hypertension do experience intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or notice any changes in your hearing, it’s important to make an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a thorough assessment to determine the cause.
Controlling blood pressure and safeguarding your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be controlled by making changes to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Lowering your blood pressure may even help preserve your hearing or stop further degeneration.
Tips for lowering blood pressure
While treating hypertension is essential, it’s also important to take proactive measures to protect your hearing.
Safeguarding your hearing: vital measures
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? Be proactiove.
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 noisy settings, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is important to schedule an appointment with a hearing professional.
Your auditory well-being is important. Act quickly as early action can have a substantial impact.
Reach out to us right now to begin the journey to improved hearing
