Hypertension, or high blood pressure, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease — and as new research shows, it may also contribute to hearing loss.
Why it matters
The research calls attention to the significance of properly managing blood pressure to protect not only cardiovascular health but also hearing.
The big picture
Hypertension causes structural and functional changes in vital organs like the heart, brain, and kidneys. The new research suggests that high blood pressure may also cause damage to the inner ear, resulting in hearing loss.
The study
This observational study examined the association between hypertension and hearing loss, involving 517 patients (1034 ears), averaging 65 years old, with or without hypertension (≥ 140/90 mm Hg).
- The high blood pressure group averaged 65 years old; the non-hypertensive group averaged 62.5 years old.
- Of the 517 participants, 412 had hearing loss — 240 in the hypertensive group (58.3%) and 172 (41.7%) in the nonhypertensive group.
- The researchers evaluated hearing using pure-tone audiometry, measuring hearing thresholds for low, medium, and high sound frequencies.
- There were no differences in the rates of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, family history of cardiovascular disease, or sleep apnea between the hypertensive and nonhypertensive groups.
Key findings
Study participants with high blood pressure had a higher rate of hearing loss.
Two key risk factors significantly contributed to hearing loss in general and worse hearing thresholds in hypertensive participants.
-
Elevated albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). ACR is a test that measures the amount of albumin, a protein, relative to creatinine in a urine sample. It is used to detect and monitor kidney disease, especially in patients with diabetes.
-
High 24-hour systolic blood pressure variability (24h-SSD). High blood pressure variability is a significant indicator of cardiovascular disease and events. Its predictive value is better than using only mean blood pressure values.
-
Notable: When combined, ACR and 24h-SSD showed impressive predictive ability for hearing loss, a sensitivity of 86.7%. Targeting these factors could lead to new prevention strategies
How it works: The inner ear relies on blood delivered by the labyrinthine artery. Damage to this artery from high blood pressure may harm cochlear blood flow and consequently diminish hearing.
The takeaway
Hypertension deserves serious management because it leads to subtle, progressive damage throughout the body, including the ears.
Healthy hearing starts here
Learn about the health of your hearing with a free 15-minute hearing screening by an audiologist.
★ Call 708-599-9500 to schedule your free screening.
★ For facts about hearing loss and hearing aid options, grab your copy of The Hearing Loss Guide.
★ Sign up for our newsletter for the latest on Hearing aids, dementia triggered by hearing loss, pediatric speech and hearing, speech-language therapies, Parkinson's Voice therapies, and occupational-hearing conservation. We publish our newsletter eight times a year.
Don't let untreated hearing loss spoil your enjoyment of life.
Crest Hill, IL - 630-633-5060 | Palos Hills, IL - 708-599-9500
