The Connection Between Hearing Loss And Overall Physical Health

With the World Health Organization estimating that 466 million people worldwide experience some form of hearing loss. A person’s quality of life can be significantly impacted by the condition, but many people are unaware that hearing loss can also be a sign of other health problems.

According to research, hearing loss is associated with a number of physical health issues, such as diabetes, dementia and cardiovascular disease. We are going to investigate the connection between hearing loss and general physical health throughout the course of this article.

Cardiovascular Disease

The term cardiovascular disease refers to a collection of conditions that have an adverse effect on the cardiovascular system, specifically the heart and blood vessels. According to a University of Wisconsin-Madison study, those who have hearing loss are more likely than those who don’t to develop cardiovascular disease. The study also discovered that individuals who had a hearing loss had a higher risk of hypertension, which is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Researchers think that there may be a connection between hearing loss and cardiovascular disease, even though the precise cause is not yet fully understood. This may be because both conditions share some of the same risk factors. For instance, hearing loss and cardiovascular disease are both made more likely by factors like smoking, living a sedentary lifestyle and high blood pressure.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that alters the manner in which glucose, the primary source of fuel for the cells of the body, is metabolized by the body. People with diabetes are more likely to develop hearing loss than people without diabetes, according to a study by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. According to the findings of the study, people who had higher levels of glucose in their blood also had a greater likelihood of experiencing hearing loss.

According to experts, there may be a connection between diabetes and hearing loss because of how high blood glucose levels affect the inner ear’s tiny blood vessels and nerves. Hearing loss may eventually result from this damage if it is left untreated.

Dementia

A decline in cognitive function, including memory loss and problems speaking and communicating, is referred to as dementia. According to a Johns Hopkins University study, people who have hearing loss are more likely than people who don’t to develop dementia. The research also found that people with severe hearing loss had a higher risk of developing dementia compared to people with mild hearing loss.

Experts believe that the social isolation that frequently comes along with hearing loss may play a role in the connection between hearing loss and dementia, although the exact mechanism is still not fully understood. Hearing loss can make it challenging for people to interact socially, take part in activities that require social interaction and uphold relationships, all of which can have a negative impact on cognitive function and the onset of dementia.

The Relationship Between an Individual’s Overall Physical Health and Hearing Loss

The significance of maintaining your hearing is underscored by the link between hearing loss and general physical health. An audiologist can detect any hearing loss early on and stop further damage with routine hearing examinations. Hearing protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs made to the patient’s specifications, is another measure that audiologists might suggest for avoiding noise-induced hearing loss.

Hearing aids have the potential to make a significant positive impact on the overall quality of life of individuals who experience hearing loss. There are different kinds of hearing aids, such as in the ear (ITE), behind the ear (BTE) and in the canal (ITC). Your audiologist will be able to guide you through the process of selecting the kind of hearing aid that is most suitable for your individual preferences as well as the requirements of your hearing loss.

Hearing loss is not just a condition that affects our ability to hear, but it also affects our ability to communicate verbally. Additionally, it might be a sign of other conditions affecting physical health, like dementia, diabetes or cardiovascular disease. It’s critical to have routine audiologist hearing evaluations to detect any hearing loss early and address any underlying health issues.

If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, call Quality Hearing Aid Center at (248) 430-8791 to arrange a consultation with one of our qualified audiologists. Hearing health care is an essential component of maintaining your overall health and well-being, and it should not be neglected.