When the majority of 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 controlling high blood pressure could also increase the probability of experiencing hearing impairment, particularly as you grow older?
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, usually starts to show indicators in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It may progress gradually and without noticeable symptoms, but the damage it causes is usually permanent. In many instances, this kind of hearing loss stems from years of cumulative damage to the auditory system. An essential but often ignored factor is high blood pressure, which has the potential to damage the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
Why is it important to comprehend blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing through your arteries. Consistently high blood pressure can cause stress to your blood vessels. Extended exposure to this condition can result in arterial deterioration, causing the blood vessels to become stiff, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn raises the risk of developing severe health complications, including impaired hearing.
Comprehending blood pressure: breaking down two numerical components:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) measures the pressure during heartbeats.
- The diastolic pressure, indicated by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
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
- Extreme Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 140/90 mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Embrace a heart-healthy diet: Emphasize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is a great place to begin.
- Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exersize per week.
- Reduce sodium intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are often high in salt.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If advised, consistently follow the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your physician.
- Reduce stress: Incorporate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your day-to-day routine.
- To prevent damage from loud noises, make sure to limit the time you spend around them. Remember to use ear protection when you are at a concert, working with loud machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Use ear protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can minimize the danger of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Schedule routine hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment outcomes and long-term auditory health.
The consequences of high blood pressure on ear health
The ears are home to a complex network of little blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the auditory system. When hypertension compromises these vessels, the ear structures– especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
These stereocilia are in charge of translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can interpret. Unfortunately, they do not regenerate once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is typically irreversible.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely connected 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 get older, whereas those who have high blood pressure are more prone to experiencing hearing loss that can intensify over time.
Can ear pain signify high blood pressure?
Although high blood pressure can cause significant blood vessel damage, it frequently does not exhibit obvious warning signs. It is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer” because of this. A prevalent myth is that sensations like “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. It’s likely that these symptoms are really the outcome of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or intense emotional reactions.
Certain individuals with high blood pressure might experience an exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, characterized by a relentless ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. If you have persistent tinnitus or suspect hearing changes, it’s essential to talk to a hearing care professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
How to regulate blood pressure and protect your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can typically be managed through lifestyle changes and medical care. Decreasing your blood pressure could also have the additional benefit of safeguarding your hearing or halting its decline.
Strategies for reducing hypertension naturally
While treating hypertension is essential, it’s also crucial to take practical steps to safeguard your hearing.
Steps to safeguard your hearing health
Besides managing your blood pressure, these actions can also aid in safeguarding your hearing:
Worried about the potential risks to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Take action
If you have high blood pressure and are experiencing issues with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves often, finding it difficult to hear in noisy settings, or needing to boost the volume on your devices, it is important to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Your auditory well-being is important. Act promptly as early action can have a considerable impact.
Reach out to us right now to start the journey to improved hearing