When most individuals think of the risks associated with high blood pressure– also called hypertension– they often focus on heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease. Were you aware that not managing high blood pressure could also increase the probability of experiencing hearing loss, particularly as you grow older?
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, generally begins to become evident in people aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few noticeable signs, yet the damage it inflicts can be lasting and permanent. Age-related hearing loss often arises from prolonged exposure to sound, resulting in slow degeneration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. One substantial but frequently ignored contributing factor is high blood pressure, which can harm the fragile blood vessels in the inner ear.
What is blood pressure and why should you care?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing through your arteries. When this pressure is persistently too high, it puts excessive strain on your blood vessels. Prolonged exposure to this condition can result in vascular deterioration, causing the blood vessels to become rigid, constricted, or compromised, which in turn raises the danger of developing severe health issues, including impaired hearing.
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.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures pressure between beats.
Categories of blood pressure
- Healthy Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg
- Slightly High: Blood Pressure Ranges from 120-129 over Less Than 80
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80 -89 mm Hg
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 140/90 mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Embrace a diet that promotes 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 foundation.
- Try to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes every week to maintain regular exercise.
- Decrease salt intake: Reduce processed and fast foods, which are typically high in salt.
- Stick to medication instructions: If advised, consistently follow the instructions for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your physician.
- Decrease anxiety: Make time for relaxing activities such as mindfulness exercises, mild stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find balance in your daily life.
- To prevent damage 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.
- Use ear protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can reduce the danger of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Routine check-ups with a hearing specialist can substantially enhance the effectiveness of treatment and overall ear health by catching any potential issues early on.
The impact of high blood pressure on ear health
A delicate web of miniature blood vessels resides within the ears, providing the auditory system with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to function properly. When high blood pressure affects these vessels, the structures in the ear, particularly the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells referred to as stereocilia, may suffer damage.
The stereocilia play a crucial role in transforming sound waves into electrical signals that can be understood by the brain. Regrettably, once they are harmed, they do not have the ability to heal themselves. Therefore, hearing loss resulting from vascular damage due to high blood pressure is typically irreversible.
High blood pressure has been discovered to be closely linked to the degree of hearing loss according to scientific research. Individuals with normal blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while individuals with hypertension are at greater risk for both developing and exacerbating hearing loss.
Is ear soreness a sign of high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular damage it causes, high blood pressure rarely presents with obvious symptoms. It is often called the “silent killer” because of this. Many individuals falsly believe that sensations like warm ears or pressure in the ears are signs of elevated blood pressure. It’s probable that these symptoms are really the outcome of fluctuations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional responses.
However, some individuals with hypertension do report worsened symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you experience chronic tinnitus or notice hearing changes, it’s important to talk to a hearing care professional for a comprehensive assessment.
How to manage blood pressure and protect your hearing
Blood pressure can usually be regulated by making alterations to one’s lifestyle and getting medical care. Lowering your blood pressure might even help preserve your hearing or stop further deterioration.
Tips for reducing blood pressure
While managing hypertension is essential, it’s also crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard your hearing.
Safeguarding your hearing: essential measures
In addition to managing your blood pressure, the following practices can help you protect your hearing:
Worried about the potential threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension and are experiencing signs of hearing problems– such as regularly asking people to repeat themselves, struggling to hear 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 matters. Don’t wait– early intervention can make a considerable difference.
Reach out to us right away to take the first step toward better hearing.