Many individuals normally think of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns related to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. But did you realize that unmanaged hypertension can also elevate your danger for hearing loss, especially as you age?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, typically starts to show indicators in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It develops slowly with few noticeable signs, yet the damage it does can be lasting and permanent. Age-related hearing loss often arises from prolonged exposure to sound, leading to gradual degeneration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. An important but often disregarded factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you care?
Blood pressure is a measure of the power of blood flow in 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 problems– including hearing loss.
Comprehending blood pressure: analyzing two numerical components:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) measures the pressure during heartbeats.
- The diastolic pressure, shown by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
Blood pressure categories
- Normal: Less than 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
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Embrace a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is a great place to begin.
- Get routine exercise: Attempt to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exersize every week.
- Reduce salt intake: Limit processed and fast foods, which are often high in salt.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently follow the instructions for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Minimize stress: Integrate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily regimen.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, make sure to limit the time you spend around them. Don’t forget to use hearing 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 risk of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Routine check-ups with a hearing specialist can dramatically enhance the success of treatment and total ear health by catching any potential issues early on.
The consequences of high blood pressure on ear health
A delicate web of miniature blood vessels exists within the ears, providing the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to work properly. When hypertension jeopardize these vessels, the ear structures– particularly 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. Regrettably, they do not regrow once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is usually permanent.
High blood pressure has been found to be closely connected to the level of hearing impairment according to scientific research. People with normal blood pressure tend to maintain better hearing over time, while those with hypertension are at greater danger for both developing and exacerbating hearing impairment.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
Even though high blood pressure can cause considerable blood vessel damage, it often does not manifest obvious warning signs. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” for this reason. A prevalent myth is that sensations such as “hot ears” or ear pressure suggest high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are actually the outcome of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense emotional responses.
However, some people with hypertension do experience intensified symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have chronic tinnitus or suspect hearing changes, it’s essential to consult a hearing care professional for a complete assessment.
How to regulate blood pressure and protect your hearing
Blood pressure can usually be controlled by making alterations to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Lowering your blood pressure might even help maintain your hearing or stop further degeneration.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
While treating hypertension is important, it’s also important to take proactive steps to safeguard your hearing.
Protecting your hearing: vital measures
Besides managing your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in safeguarding your hearing:
Concerned 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 people to repeat what they said, struggling with conversations in loud locations, 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 treatment can make a significant difference.
Contact us right away to take the first step toward better hearing.