People can lose their hearing for a number of reasons. The aging process alone may be the only reason that we have a hearing loss. But, there are also medical reasons that may contribute to hearing loss.
Who has hearing loss? 1 in 6 Americans experience hearing loss. Almost 80% of people choose to do nothing about it. World wide it is close to 360 million people who have a disabling hearing loss.
Are you a “Baby Boomer”? 1 in 6 of you have correctable hearing loss. If you are in the “over 60 age group”.. then it is 1 in 3 people. Do you have teenagers…?
1 in 5 teenagers also have some type of hearing loss.
Hearing loss contributes to Alzheimer’s disease. Wearing appropriately fitting hearing instruments are the number 1… Yes NUMBER ONE activity you can do to slow down cognitive decline and ward off that awful disease. So Simple. Did you know… symptoms of untreated hearing loss and Alzheimer’s disease are nearly identical. (National Academy on Aging 2019).
People with untreated hearing loss experience more isolation and more likely to report depression, anxiety and paranoia than peers who wore hearing aids. Adults with hearing loss experience almost a 40% decline in cognitive abilities than their peers with normal hearing.
Along with your brain.. we need to relate your heart health to your hearing.
The inner ear is extremely sensitive to blood flow. A healthy cardiovascular system.. your heart, veins and arteries have a positive effect on your hearing. If there is insufficient blood flow or trauma to the blood vessels of the inner ear than that can contribute to hearing loss. High blood pressure is known as an accelerating factor in hearing loss in older adults. (Effects of Hypertension on Hearing. Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Published Dec. 2013).
Coinciding with high blood pressure is Smoking. Current smokers have a 70% higher risk of having a hearing loss than nonsmokers.
Are you diabetic? 70% of diabetics, age 50-69 years old have a high frequency hearing loss. (American Diabetes Association 2018).
Extreme body temperature.. fever or disease and illnesses that elevate the body temperature can damage the cochlea and cause hearing loss. Be careful out in the Sun. These heat indexes of 113 could wreck havoc on you if you do not stay hydrated and keep your body temperature in check.
Osteoporosis can lead to sensory neural hearing loss. This is the most common type of permanent hearing loss. People with hearing loss are 3 times more likely to have a history of falling. (Johns Hopkins Medicine 2002).
Ototoxicity. There are over 200 medications that are known to to be ototoxic (this means poisonous to the ears). Dosage size matters also. While Aspirin is on the list.. taking one or two is not an issue. Ask your pharmacist or research “ototoxic drugs” but remember… dosage has a lot to do with its’ toxicity level.
Hearing loss is a major public health issue. It is the third most common physical condition after arthritis and heart disease. Fortunately, for most people.. achieving better hearing starts with an appointment with a Hearing Care Provider. Find a Certified Hearing Care Provider with a great reputation, make your appointment for an extensive diagnostic hearing evaluation and consultation, create your customized treatment plan and start enjoying life! We are here to help! 385-3497.
To Hear Better Is To Live Better!
By: Roseann B. Kiefer, B.A., BC-HIS