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Health Issues with Ties to Hearing Loss
It is not uncommon for people with hearing loss to minimize the gravity of the situation. The truth is, however, that a diminished sense of hearing tends to have a negative impact on quality of life. Perhaps even worse, hearing loss is often associated with other serious issues, including disease. Being informed helps, since it’s always best to be aware of potential dangers and treat health conditions before symptoms worsen. The following are some of the diseases and other hazards hearing loss is associated with.
Heart Disease and Hearing Loss
The medical community has confirmed with numerous studies that there is frequently a link between cardiovascular disease and hearing loss. Charles E. Bishop, AuD, somewhat famously said that “the ear may be a window to the heart” and that health issues involving hearing should not be assessed in a vacuum. When the arteries, veins, and heart are healthy, hearing is positively affected. Inadequate blood flow is a heart issue, and it can negatively influence the peripheral and central auditory system.
Increased Risk of Falling and Hearing Loss
Falls can be very dangerous. In fact, in construction, one of the most dangerous industries, falls are the leading cause of workplace fatalities. Research has revealed a strong link between falls and hearing loss. The risk of falling is three-fold among people with hearing loss. According to science, the chances of falling are increased by 1.4 fold for every 10 decibels of hearing loss. Experts believe this association between falling and hearing loss has to do with diminished awareness of the overall environment making falls more likely.
Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease and Hearing Loss
People with moderate chronic kidney disease are significantly more likely than others to suffer hearing loss, whether partial or severe. Researchers say the toxins that accumulate in kidney failure do damage to nerves in the inner ear. High blood pressure and advanced age are also linked to kidney disease, both of which are also risk factors for hearing loss.
Diabetes and Hearing Loss
People with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss as those who don’t. This may be because glucose, associated with diabetes, can damage small blood vessel tubes that get blood to all parts of the body, including the ears.
Indications that you have Hearing Loss
There are more examples of connections between disease and hearing loss than those listed here. A commonsense conclusion is that it’s important to have your health checked, if you have signs of hearing loss, since you may have other serious health problems that need to be treated. Treatment for hearing loss with modern hearing aids is an excellent way to regain all of the benefits that come with being able to hear. Signs of hearing loss follow:
- Frequently ask others to repeat themselves.
- Difficulty following conversations that involve three or more people.
- Difficulty hearing in noisy places.
- Trouble hearing when small children and women speak.
- Turning up music or the television to a level that’s too loud for others.
What to do if you think you have Hearing Loss
If you suspect that you may have hearing loss, speak to your primary care physician about referring you to an audiologist for testing. As a result of a full hearing exam, you should learn about other health issues that may be tied to your hearing loss as well as advice on the best way to treat it.
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