How Hearing Loss Impacts Your Overall Health
For a long time, we’ve thought of hearing loss as a simple issue—something that just happens as we get older or are exposed to too much noise. But it’s actually much more complex than that. A growing amount of research shows a strong, undeniable link between hearing loss and a number of other serious medical conditions.
This page will take a closer look at the intricate connections between hearing loss and a range of comorbidities, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cognitive decline
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Sleep apnea
By understanding these links, we can start to see hearing health not as a separate issue, but as a key part of our overall well-being. It’s an important step toward a more holistic approach to health care.
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Cardiovascular Disease and Hearing Loss
Studies show that cardiovascular disease can lead to faster hearing loss, especially for low-frequency sounds.
Cardiovascular disease can speed up hearing loss due to reduced blood flow to the ear and the brain areas responsible for hearing.
The reduced blood flow can cause important structures in the inner ear to shrink, leading to lower fluid levels needed to stimulate the auditory nerves, making it harder to hear.
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Cognitive Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is significantly associated with cognitive decline and impairment.
This connection may be due to reduced sensory input to the brain or decreased participation in social and mentally stimulating activities.
It’s also possible that common health issues and lifestyle factors, like smoking or cardiovascular disease, contribute to both hearing loss and cognitive impairment.
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High Blood Pressure and Hearing Loss
Research shows a link between high blood pressure and hearing loss. High blood pressure might lead to hearing loss because it can damage blood vessels. This damage could reduce blood flow to the inner ear or disrupt the balance of fluids in the ear, both of which can affect hearing.
Even if hearing tests appear normal, adults with high blood pressure may have reduced inner ear function that may not be detected by standard tests.
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Sleep Apnea and Hearing Loss
Recent research found that individuals with sleep apnea have poorer hearing compared to those without the condition. Additionally, those with more severe sleep apnea had more severe degrees of hearing loss.
Sleep apnea may lead to hearing loss due to low oxygen levels in the blood. During sleep apnea, breathing interruptions can harm the delicate structures in the inner ear that are sensitive to blood flow and oxygen.