When most people think of the dangers associated with high blood pressure– also known as hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. But did you know that unmanaged hypertension can also increase your risk for hearing loss, particularly as you get older?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, normally starts to become evident in individuals aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few obvious symptoms, yet the damage it inflicts can be lasting and permanent. Age-related hearing loss frequently results from prolonged exposure to sound, resulting in gradual degeneration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. An important but often ignored factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it important 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. Extended exposure to this condition can result in arterial degeneration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or compromised, which in turn raises the danger of developing severe health issues, including impaired hearing.
Comprehending blood pressure: analyzing 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 is defined as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Over 140/90 mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Consider starting with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy basis.
- Get routine exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Minimize salt consumption by limiting processed and fast food eating, as they frequently incorporate high levels of sodium.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently follow the instructions for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Reduce stress: Integrate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your day-to-day regimen.
- Steer clear of extended exposure to loud noise: Use ear protection when attending concerts, working with loud equipment, or in noisy environments.
- Use hearing protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can reduce the danger of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Routine check-ups with a hearing specialist can substantially improve the success of treatment and overall ear health by catching any potential issues early on.
How high blood pressure can impact your ears
A fragile web of miniature blood vessels exists within the ears, providing the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly. When high blood pressure impacts these vessels, the structures in the ear, especially the cochlea and small sensory hair cells called stereocilia, may sustain damage.
These stereocilia are responsible for translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Regrettably, they do not regrow once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is usually irreversible.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely linked to the degree of hearing impairment according to scientific research. Individuals who have regular blood pressure levels are more likely to preserve their hearing abilities as they get older, whereas those who have high blood pressure are more susceptible to experiencing hearing loss that can worsen over time.
Is ear discomfort a sign of high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular damage it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with obvious symptoms. It is sometimes known as the “silent killer” because of this. A prevalent misconception is that sensations such as “hot ears” or ear pressure suggest high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are really the outcome of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense emotional responses.
However, some individuals with hypertension do report intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have persistent tinnitus or notice hearing changes, it’s important to talk to a hearing care professional for a complete evaluation.
Managing blood pressure and safeguarding your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can often be controlled through lifestyle modifications and medical treatment. Reducing your blood pressure might even help preserve your hearing or prevent further deterioration.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
Regulating blood pressure is crucial, but it’s equally vital to take preventive measures to safeguard your hearing health.
Safeguarding your hearing: essential steps
In addition to managing your blood pressure, the following practices can help you safeguard your hearing:
Worried about the potential threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension and are experiencing signs of hearing problems– such as frequently asking people to repeat what they said, struggling to hear conversations in loud locations, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your auditory well-being is important. Act quickly as early intervention can have a considerable impact.
Reach out to us now to begin the journey to improved hearing