When the majority of individuals think of the dangers associated with high blood pressure– also known as hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. Were you aware that not managing high blood pressure could also heighten the likelihood of experiencing hearing impairment, especially as you grow older?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, generally starts to become noticeable in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It may progress gradually and without noticeable symptoms, but the damage it creates is usually permanent. Age-related hearing loss frequently results from prolonged exposure to sound, leading to slow deterioration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. An important but frequently ignored factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to destroy the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it significant to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing through your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause stress to your blood vessels. Over time, this can cause the vessels to condense, narrow, or become damaged, raising your risk for severe health issues– including hearing loss.
Understanding blood pressure: analyzing two numerical components:
- The systolic reading, which is the higher number, signifies the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures pressure between beats.
Blood pressure categories
- 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.
- 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 emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. Consider starting with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy foundation.
- Try to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Decrease sodium intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are typically high in sodium.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently adhere to the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Minimize stress: Incorporate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your day-to-day regimen.
- Steer clear of prolonged exposure to loud noise: Use ear protection when attending concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in loud settings.
- Use hearing protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can minimize the risk of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Schedule regular hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment results and long-term hearing health.
How high blood pressure can affect your ears
A delicate web of miniature blood vessels resides within the ears, supplying the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to work properly. When hypertension compromises these vessels, the ear structures– particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
These stereocilia are in charge of translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Regrettably, they do not regenerate once damaged. As a result, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is typically irreversible.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely connected to the level of hearing impairment according to scientific research. People who have regular 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.
Is ear soreness a sign of high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular damage it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with noticeable symptoms. It is sometimes known as the “silent killer” as a result of this. A prevalent myth is that sensations such as “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are really the outcome of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional reactions.
Certain individuals who have high blood pressure may experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, identified by a relentless ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or notice any shifts in your hearing, it’s important to make an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a detailed examination to determine the cause.
Managing blood pressure and safeguarding your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can typically be managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the additional advantage of protecting your hearing or stopping its decline.
Strategies for decreasing hypertension naturally
While managing hypertension is essential, it’s also crucial to take proactive measures to protect your ears.
Actions to protect your hearing health
Besides managing your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in safeguarding your hearing:
Worried about hearing loss and blood pressure? Be proactiove.
If you have high blood pressure and are experiencing issues with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves frequently, finding it difficult to hear in loud environments, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is important to make an appointment with a hearing professional.
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.