The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute defines heart-healthy living as “understanding your risk, making healthy choices, and taking steps to reduce your chances of getting heart disease…”
Although heart health and hearing may not seem connected at first, maintaining good cardiovascular health can also benefit your ears. In particular, controlling your blood pressure may help lower your risk of hearing damage.
The Link Between High Blood Pressure and Ear Health
A 2021 study found two possible factors that may play a role in the connection between high blood pressure and hearing loss:
- Blood flow. Your inner ear relies on a steady flow of blood. When the blood vessels in the ear are narrowed, the pressure can become too high, damaging the delicate hearing structures.
- Medication. Some medications used to treat severe high blood pressure are considered ototoxic, meaning they can harm the auditory system.
Since high blood pressure can negatively affect the ear, prioritizing your cardiovascular health is an important step in protecting your hearing.
How To Prioritize Cardiovascular Health
Keep the following tips in mind to prioritize cardiovascular health and protect your hearing in turn:
- Get enough sleep. Aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Going to bed and waking up at the same times each day, and limiting caffeine intake, will help you achieve quality sleep.
- Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats and Springfield Farmers Market fruits and vegetables will help you maintain good cardiovascular health.
- Exercise. Spend at least 150 minutes each week doing some form of physical activity. Taking walks at your lunch break, practicing with online yoga videos or even getting a standing desk are all ways to stay healthy.
- Schedule regular blood pressure tests. If you have higher-than-average blood pressure or have other conditions that could contribute to high blood pressure, schedule regular tests with your provider. Catching and managing high blood pressure early will limit its impact on your body.
Patients with high blood pressure should schedule regular hearing tests to catch and treat problems early. Call ENT Specialists Of Northern Virginia to schedule your test with one of our specialists today.