Blood Pressure and Hearing Loss?

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

A few days ago, I visited with some friends who have not seen me in months. We met in a crowded restaurant that was pretty noisy and had some live entertainment. The next day, my best friend, who was also there, said that she noticed something recently about me. I had not asked anybody the entire evening to repeat themselves, nor said, "What?! I can't hear you" to something somebody said. I realized that she was right. I have been increasingly unable to hear quiet talkers up until very recently. So, what's changed? As I've lost a lot of weight pretty quickly, my blood pressure has come way down. I've gone from two blood pressure medicines down to one, and the one blood pressure medicine is keeping my blood pressure within very normal ranges for the first time in decades. Prior to this weight loss, even the two blood pressure medicines were not successful in controlling my blood pressure. It was really high for a long time. So, I was wondering, can high blood pressure cause hearing difficulties? Logically, it makes sense to me that pressure in the ears could create a difficult time hearing. Has anybody here experienced better hearing after losing a lot of weight and watching their BP come down to normal? Thanks in advance.

[Jersrose43 837]

Have you seen a doctor, maybe you have an inner ear infection?

Any fevers or anything?

[Bufflehead 6,358]

You know, I had never even thought about that but Dr. Google tells me you are on to something:

http://hearingsolutions.us/high-blood-pressure-linked-to-hearing-loss/

Good medical detective work there!

[HotButterFly 981]

Have you seen a doctor, maybe you have an inner ear infection?

Any fevers or anything?

read the post AGAIN!!!

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

Have you seen a doctor, maybe you have an inner ear infection?

Any fevers or anything?

No, just a couple of years of irritating other people by asking them to repeat themselves. Suddenly no longer happening.

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

You know, I had never even thought about that but Dr. Google tells me you are on to something:

http://hearingsolutions.us/high-blood-pressure-linked-to-hearing-loss/

Good medical detective work there!

"A total of 274 patients between the ages of 45 – 64 were studied, with the researchers finding a direct correlation between the presence of hypertension – also known as high blood pressure – and impaired hearing. On a positive note, the researcher’s found that by bringing a patient’s blood pressure under control an additional loss of hearing could be prevented."

Whoa !!! Holy cow. I just discovered my latest NSV. Thanks for the link!!!!!

[Summer Rain 245]

Wow. That is very interesting. It's amazing the impact that our illnesses have on the different areas of our body.

[Mikee57 699]

JustWatchMe...I am assuming that you reported the hearing issues to your provider correct? I am wondering if there is something about your blood pressure blocking off some of the hearing. I still would ask him/her about it and see if this has occurred with anyone else they are aware of...btw Congrats on your weight loss that is awesome. Take care!!!

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

JustWatchMe...I am assuming that you reported the hearing issues to your provider correct? I am wondering if there is something about your blood pressure blocking off some of the hearing. I still would ask him/her about it and see if this has occurred with anyone else they are aware of...btw Congrats on your weight loss that is awesome. Take care!!!

Embarrassed to say that no, I never told my doctor. Until my friend said this to me a few days ago, I didn't realize how noticeable it was. I guess I was rationalizing it all along. I'm 53 years old, and I didn't think I was old enough to have hearing loss. I do know, however, that now, it seems that I am not asking people to repeat themselves as much. I didn't notice this change until my friend brought it to my attention. You better believe, however, that now I am going to pay very close attention to my hearing.

And thank you!

Edited August 11, 2014 by JustWatchMe

[lisacaron 5,075]

@@JustWatchMe you know there is really something to that blood pressure thing. I have had issues with my pressure for the longest time. In my late 30's my kids kept telling me that I couldn't hear. I kept telling them it was because they mumbled. Well my husband started saying the same thing to me, that I must be having trouble hearing. I was pretty pissed off about it so I went to see a hearing specialist. At the time my blood pressure was not yet under control and Dr.'s were giving me all kinds of different cocktails of medication to get it under control.

The hearing Dr. said my hearing was just fine, and that it could be an effect from the pressure. When my pressure was stable I could hear much clearer and when it was high I could still hear but not as clearly.

He also said I probably was having selective hearing when it came to the kids and the hubby talking I tend to agree with him on both accounts

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

I can't believe it took me this long to put two and two together. I'm so glad it's improved with reduced BP!

[lisacaron 5,075]

You are really lucky b/c even though my weight is down I am one of the unlucky ones who has high blood pressure genetically. I have been on certain cardiac medications and BP meds since my late 20's

I was hoping they would all go away but I can't really complain much they have all been cut down to 1 pill that is a combo pill for heart rate and BP.

I was hoping being more active might help but hey this is me NOT complaining. When the kids bug me now I just say I can't hear you....lol