The Health and Hearing Connection

Hearing loss can be the result of noise exposure, genetics or age. But did you also know that illness or medications can damage hearing? The evolution of hearing loss is not always an event that is confined to the ears. Many studies have demonstrated that physical ailments and use of specific medications can contribute to hearing loss. After all, the interconnectivity of tissues throughout the body is well documented. One such physical ailment is kidney disease. Recently, the American Journal of Kidney Disease reported that older people who suffer from moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) may require screening and treatment for hearing loss.

This assertion was based on the fact that Australian researchers examined the medical records of 2,564 people aged 50 and over, 513 of whom had moderate chronic kidney disease. Some 54.4% of all the patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) had some degree of hearing loss, as compared to 28.3 percent of those who had no kidney problems. Severe hearing loss affected nearly 30 percent of the CKD patients, compared to only 10 percent of the others.

What is the correlation between the CKD and hearing loss? According to researchers, "The link can be explained by structural and functional similarities between tissues in the inner ear and in the kidney. Additionally, toxins that accumulate in kidney failure can damage nerves, including those in the inner ear."

Also, some treatments for kidney ailments can affect hearing. This research does not predict that all patients who suffer from kidney disease will have diminished hearing. But to be on the safe side, experts indicate people with kidney disorders should have hearing exams annually.

There is also a proven link between populations with diabetes and hearing loss. Type 2 diabetes and hearing loss have been medically linked for many years: A study funded by the National Institutes of Health indicates that hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes compared to those who do not have the disease.

Additionally, Meniere's disease, a disorder of the inner ear that can affect hearing and balance, may also be caused by diabetes.

How are diabetes and hearing loss correlated? Researchers believe that hearing loss in people with diabetes is caused by damage to the nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear, the same damage that causes infections of the feet and damage to the eye's retina.

If you – or someone you love – has been diagnosed with diabetes, it's wise to visit a hearing services provider for a hearing screening.

Another physical ailment that has been shown to correlate with hearing loss is cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, researchers in Wisconsin found that people with a history of heart disease were, on average, 54% more likely to have impaired hearing function than adults without CVD.

Researchers specifically pointed out that the damage was noted in the cochlea, a snail-shaped, fluid filled tube in your inner ear that plays an important role in hearing by translating sound into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain. You may not immediately think there is a connection between the heart and the cochlea, but remember: all our organs and bodily functions are linked.

What's more, international research shows that some of the factors that cause CVD can also put our hearing at risk. Factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity have been linked in studies to loss of hearing.

In addition, studies have linked certain drugs used to treat cancer with hearing loss. There are many chemotherapy drugs that are toxic to the hearing organs.

To reduce your risk of hearing loss, stay away from environmental noise – or protect your hearing when possible by wearing ear plugs; make smart lifestyle choices such as a healthy, low-fat diet, regular exercise; and, if you are a smoker, kick the habit (especially since cigarettes can also be bad for your hearing). Make sure you involve your personal physician in your plans to make dietary and activity changes, since every individual is different.

If you already have some of the risk factors or conditions mentioned above, take the time to get your hearing tested. If you have a hearing loss, get fitted for hearing devices to ensure that your quality of life remains favorable and that you continue to hear all that life has to offer!

As always, McGuire's offers free hearing screenings, free consultations and free evaluations of existing devices. There's never an obligation to purchase from us, and our compassionate staff is dedicated solely to helping our patients achieve healthy hearing. With offices in Patchogue, Riverhead, Southampton and Greenport, we're closer than you know. We also have an office at the Hearing Center at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. Please call our appointment line to schedule your free hearing screening today – (631) 758-3709, or send us an e-mail.