High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to serious health conditions such as a heart attack or stroke. It also can increase your risk of hearing loss.
Hypertension Increases Age-Related Hearing Loss
One study found that high blood pressure accelerated age-related hearing loss in people between the ages of 45 and 64. The higher a patient’s blood pressure was, the more likely they were to have hearing loss. Specifically, researchers found mild hearing loss in:
- 18 % of patients without hypertension
- 36.7 % of patients with grade 1 hypertension
- 40.4 % of patients with grade 2 hypertension
- 54.2 % of patients with grade 3 hypertension
This happens because over time uncontrolled high blood pressure damages the blood vessels in your body. This includes the vessels that carry blood to your ears. If these blood vessels are damaged it can permanently harm the hair cells in the inner ear, resulting in hearing loss.
How to Protect Your Hearing When You Have High Blood Pressure
If your blood pressure is high there are many things you can do to help control it and reduce the risk of damage caused by your condition. These include:
- Taking medication to lower your blood pressure
- Limiting sodium intake
- Eating a healthy diet full of fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains and fatty fish like salmon.
- Getting regular physical exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. (Discuss any new exercise regimen with your doctor to make sure it’s safe.)
- Manage your stress levels by practicing meditation or taking a gentle yoga class at Olympia Athletic Club.
- Limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine
Get Tested for Hearing Loss
Hearing loss becomes more common as you age, even if you are able to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. Often the condition comes on gradually, and people wait years before getting a hearing test. The longer you put off treatment the worse your hearing loss will likely become.
If you’ve noticed that you are asking people to repeat themselves more frequently or have had loved ones comment on your hearing, call Foothills ENT to speak with a specialist or schedule an appointment.