Many people typically consider heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the primary health concerns associated with high blood pressure, also called hypertension. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your danger for hearing loss, especially as you get older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, generally starts to show indicators in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might progress gradually and without noticeable symptoms, but the damage it causes is usually permanent. Age-related hearing loss often results from extended exposure to noise, resulting in gradual deterioration of the ear’s delicate mechanisms over time. An important but often disregarded factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to destroy the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it significant to comprehend blood pressure?
Blood pressure tracks the force of blood moving through 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 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.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers:
- The systolic reading, which is the higher number, indicates the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) gauges pressure between beats.
Categories of blood pressure
- Normal: Less than 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.
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 140/90 mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Embrace a diet that promotes heart health by focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is a great place to start.
- Try to engage 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 intake, as they usually incorporate high levels of salt.
- Comply with medication instructions: If prescribed, take your blood pressure medication consistently as directed by your physician.
- Reduce stress: Integrate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your day-to-day regimen.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, make sure to limit the time you spend around them. Don’t forget to use ear protection whenever you are at a concert, working with loud machinery, or in loud settings.
- Use hearing protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can minimize the danger of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Schedule regular hearing exams: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment results and long-term hearing health.
How high blood pressure can impact your ears
A delicate web of miniature blood vessels exists within the ears, supplying the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to work properly. When hypertension jeopardize these vessels, the ear structures– especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
The stereocilia play a crucial role in transforming sound waves into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain. Sadly, once they are damaged, they do not have the ability to heal themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage as a result of high blood pressure is frequently permanent.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely connected to the degree of hearing loss according to scientific research. People who have regular blood pressure levels are more likely to preserve their hearing abilities as they age, whereas individuals who have high blood pressure are more prone to experiencing hearing loss that can worsen over time.
Is ear discomfort a sign of high blood pressure?
Even though high blood pressure can lead to considerable blood vessel damage, it often does not manifest noticeable warning signs. It is sometimes known as the “silent killer” as a result of this. Many people wrongly believe that feelings like warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of elevated blood pressure. In reality, these symptoms are more likely due to hormonal changes, stress, or emotional responses.
Certain people with high blood pressure may experience a worsening of tinnitus symptoms, characterized by a persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any shifts in your hearing, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause.
Managing blood pressure and protecting your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can typically be controlled through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Reducing your blood pressure may even help maintain your hearing or prevent further degeneration.
Strategies for reducing hypertension naturally
Managing blood pressure is essential, but it’s equally important to take preventive measures to protect your hearing health.
Steps to safeguard your hearing health
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in protecting your hearing:
Worried about hearing loss and blood pressure? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension and are experiencing signs of hearing difficulty– including regularly asking others to repeat themselves, 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 matters. Don’t wait– early intervention can make a significant difference.
Reach out to us today to take the first step toward better hearing.