Every year, about 735,000 Americans suffer from a heart attack. In fact, 1 in 4 deaths are due to heart disease. In this blog article, we discuss the link between heart disease and hearing loss.
Heart Disease & Hearing Loss: What You Should Know
As most of us know, cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, affects the functioning of the heart, which is the vital organ that keeps blood pumping through our bodies and keeps us alive. Heart disease is often associated with poor blood flow, and blood flow to the inner ear is essential to one’s hearing health. Since the delicate cells in the ear require a constant supply of fresh oxygen to stay healthy, restricting the blood flow can actually suffocate the cells of the inner ear, leading to damage and death of these cells, which in turn can cause permanent hearing loss. (source)
There are a number of factors that affect both your hearing health and your heart health. For example, one major cause of both heart disease and hearing loss is stress. High stress levels have been proven to reduce the flow of blood and oxygen to vital organs, including both the heart and the hearing system. Learn more.
Another shared risk factor between the two is smoking. Most of us already know that smoking is a dangerous habit. Smoking can damage your blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and cause plaque buildup. This can all lead to hearing loss. Learn more.
Other shared risk factors for hearing loss and heart disease include:
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Poor diet
- Inactivity
- Excessive alcohol use
So in conclusion, poor blood flow due to heart disease can in fact lead to hearing loss.
What You Can Do
As we age, it’s important to be more aware of our health and to have regular health checks, including getting your hearing checked regularly. Seeking professional help swiftly can help to significantly improve your overall well-being and quality of life. So if you haven’t already, we recommend making an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional and get your hearing assessed. If hearing loss is detected, follow treatment outlined by your hearing care professional and follow up with your family physician.
Consult with the Hearing Experts at Kenwood Hearing Center
If you or a loved one would like to speak with one of our experienced hearing care professionals, please contact us via our website in order to schedule an appointment online.