Can High Blood Pressure Cause Hearing Loss?

Explore the connection between this chronic health condition and your hearing health.

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.

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Understanding High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood. When your heart is working harder, it can lead to long-term damage.

Often called the "silent killer," hypertension frequently presents no symptoms until it causes significant health problems. But the truth is, high blood pressure can affect various parts of the body, contributing to kidney and heart disease, stroke, and even hearing loss.

The Link Between High Blood Pressure and Hearing Loss

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:

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.
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.

Prevention and Treatment

To protect your hearing from the effects of high blood pressure, take steps to manage your cardiovascular health. Here are a few ways to reduce your risk of hearing loss associated with hypertension:

Monitor Your Blood Pressure

Regular check-ups can help you keep track of your blood pressure and keep it within a healthy range. Many pharmacies also offer blood pressure machines that allow you to check your blood pressure for free in-between check-ups. If you want to monitor your blood pressure more closely, you can also invest in a low-cost at home monitor.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity improves blood circulation and helps keep blood pressure in check, which benefits your overall health and hearing.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular-related hearing loss.

Limit Salt and Alcohol

Excessive salt and alcohol intake can contribute to high blood pressure, so it’s essential to moderate your consumption.

Quit Smoking

Smoking and even exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to high blood pressure.

Get Your Hearing Tested Regularly

If you have hypertension, make hearing tests part of your health routine. Early detection of hearing loss leads to prompt treatment, which can help preserve your quality of life!

Before you visit a hearing health care provider: Take our online hearing quiz

Can High Blood Pressure Cause Muffled Hearing?

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.

Hearing Health is Integral to Overall Well-Being

Hearing health supports your overall well-being and the other way around. Amplifon Hearing Health Care’s team is committed to your hearing health and education through expert guidance and personalized resources. We want you to enjoy the gift of sound for years to come!

If you suspect you have hearing loss or are concerned about how high blood pressure could be affecting your hearing, consult a hearing healthcare provider in your area.

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