Many people normally consider heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the primary health concerns related to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Were you aware that not controlling high blood pressure could also increase the probability of experiencing hearing impairment, especially as you grow older?
Presbycusis, also called age-related hearing loss, normally starts to become evident in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few obvious symptoms, yet the harm it does can be lasting and permanent. In many instances, this type of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. An essential but frequently disregarded factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to destroy the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you pay attention to?
Blood pressure is a measure of the power of blood flow in your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause strain to your blood vessels. Over time, this can cause the vessels to condense, 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 top number, signifies the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures pressure between beats.
Blood pressure categories
- 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
- Severe High Blood Pressure: Exceeding 180/120 mm Hg (immediate medical attention necessary)
- Take advantage of a diet that supports 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.
- Strive to engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Reduce sodium intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are often high in sodium.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If advised, consistently follow the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your physician.
- Reduce stress: Make time for relaxing activities including mindfulness exercises, gentle stretches, or quiet reflection to help you unwind and find balance in your day-to-day life.
- To prevent harm from loud noises, make sure to restrict the time you spend around them. Remember to use hearing protection when you are at a concert, working with loud machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Think about utilizing protective gear for your ears, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to reduce the chances of harm to your hearing caused by loud noises.
- Regular check-ups with a hearing specialist can considerably enhance the success of treatment and overall ear health by recognizing any potential issues early on.
How high blood pressure can affect your ears
The ears are home to a complex network of little blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When hypertension jeopardize these vessels, the ear structures– especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
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 repair themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is frequently permanent.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely linked to the degree of hearing loss according to scientific research. People who have regular blood pressure levels are more likely to preserve their hearing abilities as they age, whereas individuals who have high blood pressure are more prone to experiencing hearing loss that can intensify over time.
Is ear discomfort a sign of high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular damage it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with obvious symptoms. It is commonly called the “silent killer” for this reason. Many individuals wrongly think that feelings like warm ears or pressure in the ears are signs of elevated blood pressure. It’s probable that these symptoms are really the result of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense emotional reactions.
Certain individuals who have high blood pressure may experience a worsening of tinnitus symptoms, characterized by a persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. If you have chronic tinnitus or notice hearing changes, it’s important to consult a hearing care professional for a comprehensive assessment.
How to regulate blood pressure and protect your hearing
Blood pressure can usually be regulated by making changes to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the additional benefit of protecting your hearing or halting its decline.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
While managing hypertension is essential, it’s also crucial to take proactive measures to protect your hearing.
Steps to safeguard your hearing health
Along with managing your blood pressure, the following habits can help you safeguard your hearing:
Worried about the potential threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Take action
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and are experiencing indications of hearing difficulty– such as regularly asking people to repeat themselves, struggling with conversations in noisy places, 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 significant impact.
Reach out to us right now to start the journey to improved hearing