Hearing Damage Linked to Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure is a health condition that affects almost 70 million Americans, based on a report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means that out of every three adults, one of them has high blood pressure.

Pre-hypertension is also another significant problem, which refers to elevated blood pressure levels that are above normal range but below the high blood pressure range. This problem also affects one person in every three adults in America. Considering that only 50% of those with hypertension seek effective treatment for their condition, this can result in several other health issues, such as hearing loss.

Hearing loss is a prevalent health condition that can result from hypertension. A study conducted in 2013 found that those with high blood pressure had a significantly higher likelihood of having some form of hearing loss. This study reported that high blood pressure could be a catalyst that causes rapid deterioration of auditory cells that can result in hearing loss over time.

Not only is hypertension bad for your hearing, it can also increase the likelihood of having a stroke. Reports from CDC indicate that 8 people out of every 10 people who have their very first stroke also report having hypertension. This finding was further supported by another study by the American Heart Association.

The reasons behind hearing loss caused by high blood pressure are simple. The delicate hair follicles within the inner ear require oxygen-enriched blood supply in order to function. High blood pressure can restrict this flow of oxygenated blood to the ears, causing permanent damage to the hair follicles, resulting in hearing loss. Hearing loss is an irreversible condition that results in various other health issues, such as dementia, diabetes, and even depression.

If you or a loved one has hypertension, make sure you get your hearing tested at least once annually so that you can treat any early warning signs of hearing loss. When it comes to hearing loss, prevention is always better than the cure since there IS no cure for hearing loss. This is why it is best to exercise regularly and improve your nutrition habits to include more fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. By taking care of yourself you will be better equipped to take care of all those you love.