Many people typically think of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease as the primary health concerns related to high blood pressure, also called hypertension. But did you know that unmanaged hypertension can also increase your danger for hearing loss, particularly as you get older?
Presbycusis, also called age-related hearing loss, generally starts to become evident in individuals aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. It progresses slowly with few obvious signs, yet the damage it inflicts can be lasting and irreversible. Age-related hearing loss often results from prolonged exposure to sound, resulting in slow deterioration of the ear’s fragile mechanisms over time. One considerable but frequently overlooked contributing factor is elevated blood pressure, which can damage the delicate 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 persistently too high, it puts substantial strain on your blood vessels. Extended exposure to this condition can result in arterial deterioration, causing the blood vessels to become rigid, constricted, or jeopardized, which in turn elevates the danger of developing serious health issues, including impaired hearing.
Understanding blood pressure: breaking down two numerical components:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) determines the pressure during heartbeats.
- The diastolic pressure, shown by the bottom number, assesses the pressure during the heart’s resting phase.
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
- Severe Hypertension: Blood Pressure Above 140/90 mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (emergency care required)
- Take advantage of a diet that supports heart health by focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and good fats. The DASH or Mediterranean diet is a great place to begin.
- Strive to take part in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week to maintain regular exercise.
- Cut down on salt intake by limiting processed and fast food intake, as they usually incorporate high levels of sodium.
- Adhere to medication instructions: If recommended, consistently adhere to the instructions for taking your blood pressure medication as provided by your doctor.
- Reduce stress: Incorporate relaxation strategies like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your day-to-day routine.
- Steer clear of prolonged exposure to loud noise: Use ear protection when going to concerts, working with loud equipment, or in noisy settings.
- Use hearing protection: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can minimize the risk of sound-induced hearing damage.
- Routine exams with a hearing specialist can considerably enhance the effectiveness of treatment and total ear health by recognizing any potential issues early on.