When the majority of individuals think of the risks linked to high blood pressure– also called hypertension– they tend to focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. Were you aware that not managing high blood pressure could also heighten the probability of experiencing hearing impairment, especially as you grow older?
Presbycusis, also called age-related hearing loss, generally starts to become evident in individuals aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might advance gradually and without noticeable symptoms, but the damage it causes is usually permanent. Age-related hearing loss frequently arises 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 damage the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you care?
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. Extended exposure to this condition can result in vascular 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:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) determines the pressure during heartbeats.
- 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: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is an excellent place to begin.
- Get regular exercise: Attempt to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity every week.
- Minimize salt intake by limiting processed and fast food intake, as they frequently incorporate high levels of salt.
- 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 daily routine.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, be certain to limit the time you spend around them. Remember 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 reduce the risk of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Schedule routine hearing exams: Early detection of hearing loss can lead to better treatment results and long-term hearing health.
How high blood pressure can affect your ears
The ears are home to a complex network of little blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When hypertension jeopardize these vessels, the ear structures– particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
These stereocilia are responsible for converting sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Sadly, once they are damaged, they do not have the ability to heal themselves. Therefore, hearing impairment resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is typically irreversible.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely connected to the degree of hearing impairment according to scientific research. People who have regular blood pressure levels are more likely to maintain their hearing abilities as they get older, 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?
Despite the vascular damage it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with obvious symptoms. It is commonly referred to as the “silent killer” for this reason. Many individuals wrongly think that feelings like warm ears or pressure in the ears are signs of high blood pressure. It’s probable that these symptoms are really the outcome of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense emotional reactions.
Certain individuals with high blood pressure may experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, characterized by a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. If you experience chronic tinnitus or notice hearing changes, it’s important to talk to a hearing care professional for a complete assessment.
Controlling blood pressure and safeguarding your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can typically be managed through lifestyle modifications and medical treatment. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the additional benefit of protecting your hearing or halting its decline.
Tips for lowering blood pressure
Regulating blood pressure is crucial, but it’s equally vital to take preventive steps to protect your hearing health.
Safeguarding your hearing: vital steps
Besides managing your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in safeguarding your hearing:
Worried about the possible threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Take action
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing signs of hearing problems– including frequently asking people to repeat what they said, struggling to hear conversations in noisy locations, or turning up the volume on devices– it’s time to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your hearing health is important. Act quickly as early action can have a substantial impact.
Reach out to us now to start the journey to improved hearing
