Hearing loss and hypertension: exploring the linkage

Abstract

Background: The inner ear vascular system may be disrupted by systemic hypertension causing inner ear hemorrhage and resulting in progressive or sudden hearing loss. Constriction of the labyrinthine artery secondary to atherosclerosis seen in high BMI and waist/hip circumference—risk factors of hypertension—could also occur with resultant hearing loss. Thus, hypertension could predispose to increased risk of hearing loss. This cross-sectional study assessed the hearing thresholds of hypertensive patients and sought to determine the association between hypertension and hearing loss among patients attending cardiology clinic in tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Results: The study population was 500 individuals equally divided into subject and control arms. The mean age of the subjects and controls was 47.2 ± 7.4 years and 46.9 ± 7.5 years respectively. Hearing loss—mainly mild sensorineural hearing loss—was seen in 30% of the subjects and 0.4% of the controls. The hearing loss was bilateral in all subjects and slightly worse in the right ears. The hearing loss worsened with increased age, severity, and duration of hypertension; however, there was no association between the hearing loss and body mass index. Conclusion: There is an association between hypertension and hearing loss, though most of the hypertensive subjects had mild sensorineural hearing loss. The prevalence and severity of the hearing loss worsens with the degree of hypertension. Incorporating regular audiological assessment for hypertensive patients could improve the quality of care for hypertension and quality of life for hypertensive patients.