Did you know that high blood pressure has the potential to increase your risk of developing hearing loss?
Beginning around the age of 40, some people begin to notice signs of diminished hearing. For many, a progressive hearing loss goes unnoticed because it happens slowly over a period of time. There are many factors that can cause hearing loss including prolonged exposure to noise, aging, medication, certain health conditions, and genetics. This article focuses on how hypertension (high blood pressure) may increase your risk of hearing loss.
Blood Pressure: Why Is It So Significant?
The blood that flows through your circulatory system can move at various speeds. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more rapidly than normal. As a result, damage can occur to your blood vessels over time. The damaged blood vessels lose flexibility and may even become blocked. As a result, one may experience cardiovascular problems like a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and even heart failure.
How Can Hypertension Cause Hearing Loss?
Hypertension can cause extreme damage to your blood vessels, which includes the very small blood vessels in your ear. Along with damage to your blood vessels, the auditory nerves and stereocilia (tiny hair cells responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals) may be damaged. Compromised auditory nerves will be less effective in transmitting sounds to the brain and damaged stereocilia are not capable of self-regeneration, so any damage incurred by these tiny hair cells is irreversible.
This means that any damage to the ears may cause permanent hearing loss. When it comes to hearing loss and hypertension, research indicates the percentage of individuals who have hearing loss is higher when accompanied by high blood pressure. Individuals who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more extreme hearing loss.
High Blood Pressure and Tinnitus
Studies show that people with high blood pressure are more likely to experience tinnitus than those without. One study found that 44% of those with hypertension also suffered from tinnitus compared to 22% of those without hypertension. The possible connections are:
- Increased blood flow
- Damage to Blood Vessels
- Atherosclerosis
- Side Effect of Hypertension Medications
Treatment for Hypertension-Related Tinnitus
The only way to know if your tinnitus is a result of hypertension would require a visit to your primary care doctor. If diagnosed with hypertension, you and your doctor together will decide on a treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise) or medications. Once you have effectively treated your high blood pressure, you may notice a decrease in your tinnitus if your tinnitus is a result of this condition. Please keep in mind that there are numerous reasons for tinnitus, with the number one factor being hearing loss.
Protect Your Hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can certainly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways you can safeguard your hearing. This could include:
- Limit Noise Exposure. Prolonged exposure to loud noises (those above 90dB) can be harmful to your hearing.
- Wear Hearing Protection. Earmuffs, earplugs, and noise canceling headphones can help protect your hearing. Choose hearing protection that fits snugly.
- Maintain Healthy Habits. Regular exercise, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce your risk of hearing loss.
- Regular Hearing Testing. After the age of 50 it is recommended to have your hearing tested as part of an overall healthcare routine. Early detection and treatment increase the chance of success with a treatment plan that includes hearing devices.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension and are concerned you may have a hearing loss, schedule a diagnostic hearing test with a qualified hearing healthcare professional. Freedom Hearing Center collaborates with many local physicians to provide continuity of care, and we would be happy to assist you and your loved ones with any of your hearing healthcare needs.
