Many individuals normally think of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the main health concerns associated with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Were you aware that not managing high blood pressure could also heighten the likelihood of experiencing hearing impairment, particularly as you grow older?
Presbycusis, also called age-related hearing loss, generally starts to become noticeable in individuals aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It develops slowly with few noticeable symptoms, yet the harm it does can be lasting and permanent. Age-related hearing loss frequently arises from prolonged exposure to sound, leading to slow deterioration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. One significant 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 pay attention to?
Blood pressure tracks the force of blood moving through your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. Extended 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 problems, including impaired hearing.
Comprehending blood pressure: breaking down two numerical components:
- The systolic reading, which is the top number, indicates the force of blood flow when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) gauges pressure between beats.
Categories of blood pressure
- Normal: Less than 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
- 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 emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. Consider beginning with the DASH or Mediterranean diet for a healthy basis.
- 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 contain high levels of salt.
- Stick to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently adhere to the guidelines for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Reduce anxiety: Make time for relaxing activities such as mindfulness exercises, mild stretches, or silent reflection to help you unwind and find equilibrium in your day-to-day life.
- To prevent harm from loud noises, be certain to restrict the time you spend around them. Don’t forget to use hearing protection whenever you are at a concert, working with noisy machinery, or in noisy settings.
- Use hearing protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can minimize the risk of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Schedule routine hearing tests: Early detection of hearing loss can result in better treatment results and long-term hearing health.
How high blood pressure can impact 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 compromises these vessels, the ear structures– especially the cochlea and tiny sensory hair cells called stereocilia– can become damaged.
These stereocilia are responsible for translating sound vibrations into nerve signals your brain can translate. Unfortunately, they do not regenerate once damaged. Because of this, hearing loss from vascular damage triggered by high blood pressure is often permanent.
Scientific studies reveal a strong correlation between elevated blood pressure and the extent of hearing loss. Individuals with normal blood pressure tend to preserve better hearing over time, while those with hypertension are at an increased risk for both developing and exacerbating hearing loss.
Is ear discomfort a symptom of high blood pressure?
In spite of the vascular harm it causes, high blood pressure rarely appears with noticeable symptoms. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” for this reason. A common myth is that sensations such as “hot ears” or ear pressure indicate high blood pressure. It’s probable that these symptoms are actually the result of variations in hormone levels, high levels of stress, or strong emotional responses.
However, some people with hypertension do experience worsened symptoms of tinnitus– a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you have ringing in your ears or notice any shifts in your hearing, it’s crucial to make an appointment with a specialist who can carry out a detailed examination to determine the cause.
How to regulate blood pressure and safeguard your hearing
The good news is that blood pressure can typically be managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Lowering your blood pressure may even help preserve your hearing or stop further degeneration.
Strategies for reducing hypertension naturally
While treating hypertension is important, it’s also crucial to take practical steps to protect your ears.
Safeguarding your hearing: vital measures
In addition to controlling your blood pressure, the following habits can help you safeguard your hearing:
Worried about the possible threats to your hearing and cardiovascular health? Be proactiove.
If you are dealing with high blood pressure and are experiencing problems with your hearing, like having to ask people to repeat themselves frequently, 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 professional.
Your hearing health matters. Don’t wait– early treatment can make a substantial difference.
Reach out to us right away to take the first step toward better hearing.