How Your Heart Health Affects Your Hearing -

Do you remember the song called “Dem Bones” from childhood? The one that goes, “The Ear Bone’s Connected to the…?” We often think of the ear as being unrelated to the rest of the body. However, the Better Hearing Institute says that your heart and hearing may have more in common than you realize. They raised awareness of the link between hearing loss and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, a study from Harvard University, which cross-referenced health data, also identified a strong link between heart disease and hearing loss. It discovered that hearing loss was 54% higher in people with cardiovascular disease.

Studies show that a healthy cardiovascular system positively affects hearing. The many intricate components that make up our hearing are sensitive to variations in blood flow. Tiny hair cells in the cochlea, an organ in our inner ear, convert noise-induced vibrations into electrical signals. These signals are then sent to our brains to be processed by auditory organs. Poor circulation can starve these tiny hair cells and nerves of oxygen, permanently damaging them and leading to hearing loss. Our hearing systems depend on blood and oxygen flowing through a healthy heart.

Heart-Healthy Reasons to Get a Hearing Test

Over six decades of research point to a heart-hearing health link. A comparative review of more than 60 years of research found a correlation between cardiovascular and hearing health.
The ear may be a window to the heart. Some experts find the evidence so compelling that they suggest the ear may be a window to the heart. They encourage collaboration between hearing care providers and cardiologists.
A study revealed that smokers and passive smokers are more likely to suffer from hearing loss. Another study found that regular fish consumption and higher intake of omega-3 are associated with a lower risk of hearing loss in women. These same lifestyle behaviors that affect hearing also impact the heart. Increased physical activity is associated with a lower risk of hearing loss in women.
Individuals with diabetes face an increased risk of both cardiovascular disease and hearing loss. The elevated blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage blood vessels, affecting both the cardiovascular system and the delicate vasculature of the inner ear. Diabetes-related inflammation may also contribute to hearing impairment.
If you have hypertension, it’s important to know that high blood pressure, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, is closely tied to hearing loss. The elevated pressure within blood vessels can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear and disrupt its intricate blood supply. Controlling hypertension through lifestyle modifications and medication may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and help preserve hearing health.
Early detection means early intervention. Given the shared risk factors, individuals with cardiovascular disease risk factors should undergo regular hearing screenings, and vice versa. Early detection of either condition allows for timely intervention, potentially mitigating the impact on both cardiovascular health and hearing function.
Addressing hearing loss improves quality of life. Eight out of 10 hearing aid users say they’re satisfied with the changes in their lives due to their hearing aids. Many report improvements in overall life, interpersonal relationships, and experience reduced anger and frustration, along with enhanced emotional stability.
Today’s hearing aids are better than ever and virtually invisible. State-of-the-art, sleek, and virtually invisible, today’s hearing aids combine technology and style with durability and ease-of-use. They’re a high-tech tool to help people stay socially, physically, and cognitively active. The options are so varied that there’s an attractive solution for just about anyone.

Beyond the biological connection, hearing loss and cardiovascular disease share several risk factors. Recognizing and addressing these common elements can be crucial in preventing both conditions and managing their impact on your overall health. Take care of your ears, your heart, and your future.

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