The Connection Between High Blood Pressure and Hearing Loss
Any change to your hearing can impact how you take in the world around you. Hearing loss can be frustrating. Finding out the cause can help you choose the right treatment or hearing aids.
Hearing loss can be linked to a number of health issues. One of the conditions that can lead to hearing loss is high blood pressure, or hypertension. High blood pressure can raise your risk of hearing loss. Chronic hypertension may harm your ears and hearing system.
Understanding High Blood Pressure
Your blood pressure tells you how much pressure your blood puts on the walls of your arteries as it pumps through your body.
Your blood pressure reading is comprised of two numbers. The first is your systolic blood pressure, or the pressure when your heart pumps blood. The second number is your diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is between beats.
- A normal blood pressure reading is generally 120/80.
- Stage one hypertension is around 130/80
- Stage two hypertension is 140/90 or higher
When your blood pressure is high, it means your blood is moving faster than normal. This can damage the blood vessels throughout your body, including the ones in your ears, which can cause hearing loss.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
- Poor diet, especially high in sodium
- Stress
- Lack of exercise
- Medications like NSAIDs and birth control
- Sleep apnea
- Kidney disease
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Pregnancy
Knowing what causes your high blood pressure can help you manage it better. It can also help you create a plan to control it. Keeping your blood pressure in check is an important part of managing your health and preventing serious health issues like heart attack or stroke.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Many people with high blood pressure do not know they have it. They often have no symptoms, which can make this condition dangerous.
However, there are still some signs to look out for which can indicate severe hypertension:
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Tinnitus
- Anxiety
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea/vomiting
- Arrythmia
Can High Blood Pressure Cause Hearing Loss?
The link between hypertension and hearing loss is simple. When your blood pressure is high, the high speed of your blood can overwhelm the sensitive vessels in your ears.
if you’re experiencing temporary high blood pressure, your hearing will return to normal once it is regulated. Spikes in your blood pressure can also lead to tinnitus, which is a ringing or sound of blood pumping in your ears. However, chronic hypertension can cause permanent damage to the blood vessels in your ears, leading to permanent hearing loss.
Preventing Hypertension-Induced Hearing Loss
The best way to prevent losing your hearing due to hypertension is to figure out how to manage your blood pressure. Monitoring your blood pressure is the best way to spot any problems. You may need to work with your doctor to create a plan for controlling your blood pressure. This plan may include lifestyle changes and possibly medication.
Leading a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise can help naturally lower your blood pressure. If you have chronic blood pressure problems, your doctor may prescribe medication. This could include ACE inhibitors to help relax your blood vessels or beta-blockers to slow your heart rate. This helps reduce the speed of your blood flow.
While tinnitus is sometimes a symptom of high blood pressure, it can also be a side effect of common blood pressure medications.
If you notice a decrease in your hearing, schedule a hearing test with an audiologist. They can determine if your hearing loss stems from high blood pressure.
Audiologists and hearing specialists are important for finding and treating hearing loss. They make sure you receive the right care for your needs. Prioritize your health today and take the steps necessary to protect your hearing for the future.
Get Your Hearing Checked at Beltone DFW
The connection between high blood pressure and hearing loss highlights the importance of proactively managing your health. By monitoring your blood pressure, making lifestyle changes, and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can prevent hearing loss related to high blood pressure.
If you’re concerned about your blood pressure or hearing health, consulting with a healthcare provider is the first step. At Beltone DFW, our skilled audiologists can assess your hearing. The hearing care professionals at Beltone’s Dallas-Fort Worth offices are here to support your hearing health needs.
Don’t wait, schedule your hearing test today!
