Many factors can play a role in developing hearing loss from aging to exposure to loud noise and genetics. Additionally, research has linked hearing loss to a number of common chronic diseases.
Diseases That Increase Hearing Loss Risk 
While not an exhaustive list, let’s take a closer look at three chronic conditions that have been linked to hearing loss.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD). A study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases found that moderate CKD was associated with a higher risk of hearing loss. Kidney problems can cause toxins to accumulate in the body that may harm your hearing. Additionally, certain medications prescribed for people with kidney disease can be ototoxic. This means that they can damage your ears and lead to hearing loss, as well as tinnitus and balance issues.
- Heart disease. There is a large body of evidence linking heart disease and hearing loss. While the exact reasons are not completely known, it’s believed that heart disease can disrupt blood flow to the inner ear. This can damage the hair cells located within the inner ear that play an important role in the hearing process. Once these cells are damaged, they cannot be repaired, and it can lead to permanent sensorineural hearing loss.
- Diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as those who are the same age without diabetes. This is likely because uncontrolled diabetes can cause nerve damage all throughout your body, including your ears.
What To Do
Some chronic health conditions are out of our control. However, there are steps we can take to improve our overall health and potentially decrease our risk of developing them. These include:
- Getting regular physical exercise
- Eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and healthy fats
- Keeping regular appointments with your primary care provider to catch any health problems early
Keep an Eye Out for Early Hearing Loss Signs
It’s also important to know the early signs of hearing loss so that you can book an appointment for a hearing test if you notice them. They include:
- Asking others to repeat themselves frequently or feeling as though voices are muffled
- Trouble understanding phone conversations
- Difficulty hearing in places with lots of background noise or multiple voices speaking at once, such as KJ’s Steakhouse or other popular Fort Myers restaurants
- Experiencing a ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Needing to turn the volume up louder while watching TV or listening to music
By seeking a diagnosis and getting early treatment with hearing aids or other assistive listening devices you can minimize the effects of your hearing loss and stay connected to others.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Gulf Coast Audiology today.