Aging is one of the most common indicators of hearing loss, and let’s face it, try as we might, we can’t avoid aging. You can take some steps to look younger but you’re still aging. But you may not be aware that numerous treatable health conditions have also been related to hearing loss. Here’s a look at a few examples, #2 might surprise you.
1. Diabetes could impact your hearing
The fact that hearing loss and diabetes have a link is pretty well understood. But why would you have an increased danger of developing hearing loss if you have diabetes? Science is at a bit of a loss here. Diabetes is connected to a wide variety of health issues, and in particular, can cause physical harm to the eyes, kidneys, and extremities. One theory is that the condition might impact the ears in a similar way, destroying blood vessels in the inner ear. But overall health management may also be a consideration. A 2015 study that looked at U.S. military veterans highlighted the connection between hearing loss and diabetes, but in particular, it found that those with uncontrolled diabetes, in other words, individuals who aren’t managing their blood sugar or otherwise managing the disease, suffered worse consequences. If you are worried that you may be prediabetic or have overlooked diabetes, it’s essential to speak to a physician and get your blood sugar screened. By the same token, if you have trouble hearing, it’s a good plan to contact us.
2. Risk of hearing loss associated falls goes up
Why would having difficulty hearing cause a fall? Even though our ears play an important role in helping us balance, there are other reasons why hearing loss might get you down (in this instance, very literally). People with hearing loss who have taken a fall were the participants of a recent study. The study didn’t go into detail about the cause of the falls but it did conjecture that missing essential sounds, such as a car honking, could be a large part of the cause. At the same time, if you’re working hard to concentrate on the sounds nearby, you could be distracted to your environment and that may also result in a higher risk of having a fall. Luckily, your risk of experiencing a fall is reduced by having your hearing loss treated.
3. Manage high blood pressure to protect your hearing
High blood pressure and hearing loss have been closely linked in some studies indicating that high blood pressure might accelerate hearing loss related to the aging process. This kind of news may make you feel like your blood pressure is actually rising. But it’s a link that’s been found pretty consistently, even when controlling for variables like noise exposure and whether you’re a smoker. (Please don’t smoke.) The only variable that makes a difference seems to be gender: If you’re a male, the connection between high blood pressure and hearing loss is even stronger.
Your ears have a close relation to your circulatory system. In addition to the many tiny blood vessels inside of your ear, two of the body’s principal arteries go right by it. This is one reason why individuals with high blood pressure often experience tinnitus, the pulsing they’re hearing is actually their own blood pumping. That’s why this type of tinnitus is called pulsatile tinnitus; you hear your pulse. But high blood pressure could also possibly cause physical harm to your ears, that’s the leading theory as to why it would accelerate hearing loss. Every beat of your heart will have more pressure if it’s pumping blood harder. The small arteries in your ears could possibly be harmed as a result. Through medical intervention and lifestyle improvement, it is possible to manage high blood pressure. But if you suspect you’re dealing with hearing loss, even if you believe you’re too young for the age-related stuff, it’s a good idea to speak with us.
4. Cognitive decline and hearing loss
It’s scary stuff, but it’s significant to mention that while the connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline has been well documented, scientists have been less successful at sussing out why the two are so powerfully linked. The most widespread theory is that people with neglected hearing loss often withdraw from social interaction and become debilitated by lack of stimulation. Another concept is that hearing loss overloads your brain. In other words, because your brain is putting so much energy into comprehending the sounds around you, you may not have much energy left for remembering things like where you put your keys. Playing “brain games” and keeping your social life active can be very helpful but the number one thing you can do is manage your hearing loss. Social engagements will be easier when you can hear clearly and instead of battling to hear what people are saying, you can focus on the essential stuff.
If you’re worried that you may be experiencing hearing loss, schedule an appointment with us right away.
References
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2018/8541638/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1808869415310016
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3889339/