Can High Blood Pressure Cause Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is a condition that affects a significant portion of Americans, but did you know that high blood pressure (hypertension) could be one of the underlying causes? While most people associate high blood pressure with heart disease or stroke, research suggests a connection between hypertension and hearing loss.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “hypertension affects approximately one half of U.S. adults, and approximately one quarter of those persons have their blood pressure under control.”

In this blog, we’ll explore the link between high blood pressure and hearing loss, what the connection means for your hearing health, and what preventive measures you can take.

Your ears rely on a healthy blood supply to function properly. The inner ear has delicate hair-like cells that transmit sound signals to the brain. These cells depend on oxygen-rich blood to work effectively. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the inner ear, disrupting this critical blood flow and potentially causing hearing loss.

The damage from hypertension can occur in two ways:

1. Reduced Blood Flow. High blood pressure can narrow or harden arteries, decreasing blood flow to the cochlea and other auditory structures. Without sufficient oxygen and nutrients, the sensory cells in the ear begin to deteriorate, which can lead to hearing problems.
   
   
2. Blood Vessel Ruptures. In more extreme cases, hypertension can lead to ruptures in the small blood vessels of the ear. This can cause bleeding in the inner ear, leading to sudden hearing loss or a gradual decline.

Yes, high blood pressure can cause muffled hearing, a sensation that can sometimes be attributed to hearing loss.

That said, there are many different reasons why you might be experiencing muffled hearing, including earwax buildup or an infection.