Many people typically think of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the primary health concerns associated with high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Were you aware that not managing high blood pressure could also heighten the probability of experiencing hearing loss, especially as you grow older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, usually starts to show indicators in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few noticeable signs, yet the damage it inflicts can be lasting and permanent. Age-related hearing loss frequently arises from extended exposure to noise, resulting in gradual degeneration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. One substantial but often overlooked contributing factor is elevated blood pressure, which can harm the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it important to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure tracks the force of blood moving through your arteries. When this pressure is persistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. Over time, this can cause the vessels to stiffen, narrow, or become damaged, raising your risk for serious health issues– including hearing loss.
Your blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers:
- 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
- Slightly High: Blood Pressure Ranges from 120-129 over Less Than 80
- Stage 1 hypertension is characterized as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Extreme Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 140/90 mm Hg
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Take advantage of 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 begin.
- Get routine exercise: Attempt to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity every week.
- Minimize salt consumption by restricting processed and fast food intake, as they usually contain high levels of sodium.
- Follow 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, be certain to restrict the time you spend around them. Remember to use ear protection when you are at a concert, working with noisy 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 outcomes and long-term hearing health.
How high blood pressure can affect your ears
The ears are home to an intricate network of little blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When high blood pressure affects these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, might sustain damage.
These stereocilia are in charge of converting sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can translate. Regrettably, once they are damaged, they do not have the ability to restore themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage as a result of high blood pressure is typically 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 age, whereas those who have high blood pressure are more susceptible to experiencing hearing loss that can intensify over time.
Can ear pain be a sign of high blood pressure?
Even though high blood pressure can cause substantial blood vessel damage, it often does not exhibit obvious warning signs. It is sometimes known as the “silent killer” because of this. Many individuals wrongly think that sensations such as warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of elevated blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are really the outcome of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense emotional reactions.
However, some people with hypertension do report intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or detect any changes in your hearing, it’s important to make an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a detailed examination to identify the cause.
How to regulate blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can often be managed through lifestyle modifications and medical care. Reducing your blood pressure could also have the additional benefit of safeguarding your hearing or halting its decline.
Strategies for reducing hypertension naturally
While managing hypertension is important, it’s also crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard your ears.
Steps to protect your hearing health
Along with controlling your blood pressure, the following habits can help you protect your hearing:
Worried about the possible threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing indications of hearing problems– such as frequently asking people to repeat what they said, struggling to hear conversations in noisy places, or cranking up the volume on devices– it’s time to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act promptly as early action can have a substantial impact.
Reach out to us now to start the journey to better hearing