Once upon a time, we thought that hearing loss was just linked to old age or genetic conditions. However, studies over the past 10 years have shown that there are other risk factors associated with hearing loss. Knowing that these connections exist means that if you exhibit a risk factor, you should be tested for hearing loss. Some of the risk factors are listed below.
Smoking
Current smokers are 1.69 times more likely or have a 70% higher risk to have a hearing loss than nonsmokers.
Diabetes
Hearing loss is about twice as common in people with diabetes compared to those without the disease. Adults with pre-diabetes, 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.
Heart Disease
The inner ear is extremely sensitive to blood flow. Studies have shown that a healthy cardiovascular system has a positive effect on hearing. Conversely, inadequate blood flow and trauma to the blood vessels of the inner ear can contribute to hearing loss.
Hypertension
There is a significant association between high blood pressure and hearing loss. Hypertension is an accelerating factor of degeneration of the hearing apparatus due to aging.
Regular Use of Household Painkillers
There is a significant correlation between taking over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen and those with hearing loss. A study of more than 62,000 women found that taking the drugs just twice a week increases the risk of hearing loss by up to 13 %. Using ibuprofen six times a week makes women up to 24 % more likely to develop some degree of hearing problem as compared with those who do not use the medication. Those using paracetamol up to five times a week increase the risk of hearing loss by 21%
If you have any of these risk factors and would like a free hearing health assessment, please call our office at 801-770-0801.
