Hearing loss can occur for any number of reasons. Some causes can be natural yet others would surprise you. It’s true as people age, they may begin to lose their hearing due to the natural aging process, but one of the most common causes of hearing loss is exposure to loud noises.
There are also medical reasons for hearing loss, like viruses, bacteria, heart conditions or stroke, as well as certain medicines. New studies have revealed other surprising causes like diabetes, hypertension, or osteoporosis.
Take the time to learn about hearing loss causes and prevention so you can discuss them with your hearing healthcare provider and begin your journey to better overall health today.
Viruses or Bacteria
Any illness or anything that causes extremely elevated body temperature, such as malaria, meningitis, rubella, measles, mumps, shingles, etc., can cause damage to hair cells in the inner ear and cause hearing loss. For that reason, it is very important to monitor your temperature when you are ill and seek medical attention if your fever becomes too high. Read more at https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/53352-Infection-hearing-loss-tinnitus-dizziness-viral-bacterial-ramsay-hunt or https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4222184/)
Heart Health
The inner ear is extremely sensitive to blood flow. Studies show that a healthy cardiovascular system (a person’s heart, arteries, and veins) has a positive effect on hearing. Inadequate blood flow and trauma to the blood vessels of the inner ear can contribute to hearing loss. Read more at https://eoent.com/the-connection-between-heart-health-and-hearing-loss/#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20being%20a,to%20be%20interpreted%20as%20sound.
Ototoxicity
There are more than 200 medications (prescription and over-the-counter) on the market today that are known to be ototoxic- which, quite literally, means “poisonous to the ears”. The list of ototoxic drugs includes:
- Aspirin
- Quinine
- Loop diuretics (or “water pills”)
- Some anticancer drugs
- Some anesthetics and antibiotics
The first signs of ototoxicity are typically ringing in the ears, dizziness, and/or unsteadiness. The best way to prevent ototoxicity is to use OTC medications as recommended and to avoid using ototoxic medications unless necessary. Read more at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9706352/.
Diabetes
Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes compared to those without. Adults whose blood glucose is higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis, have a 30% higher rate of hearing loss compared to those with normal blood sugar. If you live with diabetes or increased blood glucose, it is important to monitor your hearing loss and receive annual hearing evaluations, especially if you are over 60 years old. Read more at https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-hearing-loss.html#:~:text=The%20diabetes%20and%20hearing%20loss%20connection&text=Over%20time%2C%20high%20blood%20sugar,can%20lead%20to%20hearing%20loss..
Hypertension
There is a significant association between high blood pressure and hearing loss. Additionally, hypertension can be an accelerating factor of hearing loss in older adults. To lessen your likelihood of developing hearing loss, monitor your blood pressure and manage your hypertension by maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, cutting back on drinking alcohol, and developing a quality sleep routine. Read more at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3889339/.
Osteoporosis
A recent study from Journal of the American Geriatric Society linked osteoporosis and hearing loss, theorizing that demineralization of the three middle ear bones may contribute to a conductive hearing impairment. Those with osteoporosis should pay careful attention to their hearing health and have regular hearing evaluations. Read more at https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52464-New-study-shows-a-link-between-osteoporosis-and-sudden-hearing-loss.
Other Causes
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the most important factors of maintaining your hearing. Research has shown that individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI) and larger waist circumference are associated with increased risk of hearing loss. Additionally, current smokers have a 70% higher risk of having hearing loss than non-smokers. Read more at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6339793/.
Hearing healthcare is incredibly important to your overall health and wellbeing! For these reasons, we encourage you to monitor your health, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and receive annual hearing evaluations. With these precautions, you can lessen your likelihood of hearing loss and lessen the impact a hearing loss has on your life.
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