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Understanding Health Conditions That Can Cause Hearing Loss
Posted: 11/07/2024
Hearing loss isn't just something that happens to musicians and rock stars; it can be a side effect of many common health conditions. Understanding these can help you take better care of your hearing. When you have a free hearing test at Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care, we will ask you about your general health to get an all round picture of your wellbeing.
Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)
First on the list is age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis. Over time, the structures of the inner ear or the auditory nerve can deteriorate, making it harder to catch high-pitched sounds. If you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves more often, it could simply be ‘anno domini’.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Did you enjoy being as close to the speakers as possible at loud concerts and festivals - or a history of turning up your headphones to block outside noise? Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the hair cells in your inner ear. This kind of hearing loss can sneak up on you, causing ringing in your ears (tinnitus) or muffled hearing.
Ototoxic Medications
Some medications can harm your hearing. These are called ototoxic medications, and they include certain antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, and even high doses of aspirin. If you’re experiencing tinnitus or hearing loss and you’re on medication, it might be worth discussing with your doctor.
Cardiovascular Disease
Your heart health and hearing are more connected than you might think. Cardiovascular disease can reduce blood flow to your inner ear, leading to hearing problems. If you have heart issues and notice changes in your hearing, it’s worth bringing up with your healthcare provider.
Diabetes
Diabetes is another condition that can affect your hearing. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear. If you have diabetes, regular hearing check-ups should be part of your health routine.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
High blood pressure can also play a role in hearing loss by damaging the blood vessels in your ear. Keeping your blood pressure in check is not only good for your heart but also for your ears.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation and damage in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. If you have an autoimmune condition and start to notice hearing issues, don’t ignore it.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease might seem unrelated to hearing, but it’s not. The cellular structures of the kidneys and ears are quite similar, and toxins that affect your kidneys can also damage your ears. Keeping on top of your kidney health can indirectly protect your hearing.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder that not only affects hearing but also balance. It’s characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss. If these symptoms sound familiar, a visit to our audiologist might be in order.
Infections
Various infections, such as meningitis, measles, and mumps, can lead to hearing loss. Even common ear infections (otitis media) can cause issues if they’re frequent or severe. Staying on top of your vaccinations and treating infections promptly can help.
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders, whether it’s hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can affect your hearing. These conditions can alter your metabolism and the health of your auditory system, leading to gradual hearing loss and tinnitus.
Trauma
Lastly, physical trauma to the head or ear can cause sudden hearing loss. This could be from an accident, a fall, or any injury that impacts the ear structures or the auditory nerve.
Conclusion
Hearing loss can result from a myriad of health conditions, from the common to the unexpected. Keeping your overall health in check and being mindful of changes in your hearing can go a long way. If you notice any issues, consult a healthcare professional to get the right diagnosis and treatment. Your ears are worth it! If you are concerned you are not hearing as well as you used to, why not book an appointment at one of our eleven branches across Hampshire and Surrey?
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