Can High Blood Pressure Increase Your Risk of Hearing Loss?

Posted on by Advanced ENT & Allergy

Not only does high blood pressure put a strain on your heart, but it can also increase your risk of hearing loss as well.

Facts on Hypertension

Wife helping her husband take his blood pressure.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is an incredibly common condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults in the US have high blood pressure, and only 24% of them actually have their hypertension under control.

Untreated hypertension can lead to a host of serious health issues, including:

  • Heart attack or stroke
  • Aneurysm
  • Kidney disease
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Vision loss

How High Blood Pressure Can Affect Your Hearing

Uncontrolled high blood pressure damages the blood vessels of the body. This includes the vessels that carry blood to your ears. If these blood vessels are damaged, it can impact your ears’ ability to function and lead to hearing loss.

One study of adults aged 45–64 found a significant association between hypertension and age-related hearing loss.

Control Hypertension to Prevent Hearing Loss

The good news is that with the right steps, there are many things you can do to control or prevent hypertension and help protect your hearing. Some important steps include:

  • Have regular checkups with your doctor to monitor your blood pressure.
  • Get regular exercise. Whether at the gym, working in your garden or taking walks through Crows Woods Trails.
  • Eat a diet full of heart-healthy foods.
  • Limit your sodium intake.
  • Take any blood pressure medication as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Find ways to reduce your stress levels.
  • Quit smoking and limit your alcohol and caffeine intake.

Other Ways to Prioritize Your Hearing Health

In addition to keeping your blood pressure in check, there are several other important steps you can take to protect your hearing.

  • Protect your ears from noise damage. If you’re engaged in any activity where you are exposed to loud sounds, use hearing protection devices to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
  • Get a hearing test. Hearing loss often comes on slowly. The sooner it is diagnosed, the better the chance you can prevent future damage and get the most from your treatment.
  • If you have hearing aids, wear them consistently to get the most benefit from your device.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment to have your hearing evaluated, contact Advanced ENT & Allergy today.