When most individuals think of the dangers associated with 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, particularly as you grow older?
Presbycusis, also called age-related hearing loss, normally starts to become noticeable in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It might progress gradually and without obvious symptoms, but the damage it creates is often permanent. Age-related hearing loss frequently arises from extended exposure to sound, resulting in gradual degeneration of the ear’s delicate mechanisms over time. One considerable but often ignored contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it important to understand blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the strength of blood flow in your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts excessive strain on 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.
Comprehending blood pressure: breaking down two numerical components:
- The systolic reading, which is the top 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.
Blood pressure categories
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Slightly High: Blood Pressure Ranges from 120-129 over Less Than 80
- Stage 1 hypertension is defined as blood pressure readings of 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/ 90+ mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Take advantage of a diet that supports heart health by focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. Consider beginning with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy basis.
- Try to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Decrease salt intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are often 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.
- Avoid extended exposure to loud noise: Wear ear protection when going to concerts, working with noisy equipment, or in noisy settings.
- Consider utilizing protective gear for your ears, including earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to reduce the chances of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Schedule regular hearing exams: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment results and long-term hearing health.
The impact of high blood pressure on ear health
The ears are home to a complex network of tiny blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When high blood pressure affects these vessels, the structures in the ear, especially the cochlea and small sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, may sustain harm.
These stereocilia are in charge of translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can translate. Unfortunately, they do not regrow once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is often irreversible.
Scientific studies show a powerful correlation between elevated blood pressure and the severity of hearing loss. People with healthy blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while those with high blood pressure are at an increased danger for both developing and worsening hearing impairment.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
Despite the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with obvious symptoms. It is commonly called the “silent killer” for this reason. Many people falsly think that feelings such as warm ears or pressure in the ears are indications of high blood pressure. In reality, these symptoms are more likely due to hormonal changes, stress, or emotional responses.
However, some individuals with hypertension do experience worsened symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have persistent tinnitus or suspect hearing changes, it’s essential to consult a hearing care professional for a complete evaluation.
How to manage blood pressure and protect your hearing
Blood pressure can frequently be regulated by making alterations to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the added advantage of protecting your hearing or stopping its decline.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
While managing hypertension is essential, it’s also important to take practical steps to safeguard your hearing.
Actions to protect your hearing health
Besides regulating your blood pressure, these behaviors can also aid in safeguarding your hearing:
Worried about the possible threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing issues with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves frequently, finding it difficult to hear in noisy settings, or needing to increase the volume on your devices, it is essential to make an appointment with a hearing professional.
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
