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The Connection You Didn’t Expect
Even though it may seem like your heart and ears are totally different systems, they share one essential link: that of blood flow. Healthy circulation provides oxygen and nutrients that keep every part of your body functioning. This includes the delicate structures of the inner ear. When your heart is not pumping as it needs to, your hearing can be one of the first areas to show signs of trouble.
Many people are shocked to learn that hearing loss can reflect cardiovascular health. The minuscule hair cells in the cochlea rely on a steady blood supply to be able to detect sound. If the flow is restricted in some way, these cells can be damaged. This leads to hearing difficulty that cannot be reversed. That is why hearing specialists and physicians are being more proactive when it comes to assessing hearing as part of your overall health profile.
The Real Science
Evidence has already shown for a long time that there is a strong connection between heart disease and hearing loss. It has been discovered that patients with heart disease, high blood pressure, or circulatory disorders tend to develop hearing issues, especially in low frequencies. The reason is simple: if blood vessels are narrowed or hardened, there is a decrease in oxygenation of the inner ear, which is extremely sensitive to any change in circulation.
In time, reduced blood supply can impinge on the ability of the ear to detect sound, particularly in noisy environments. In some, it may sound like mild hearing loss or as though they are hearing through a muffler when people speak. Others have balance problems, ringing in the ears, or dizziness. Early treatment of cardiovascular risk factors not only benefits your heart, but it can save your hearing as well.
Watch for These Risk Factors
The connection between your heart and ears is still more apparent if you look at the shared risk factors. Diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol all affect circulation, damaging the heart as much as the delicate capillaries of the inner ear. Conditions like the aforementioned bad habits of diet, exercise, or ongoing stress can even increase the risk for hearing loss, along with heart conditions.
Since these conditions develop over a period of years, the first warning signs are easy to miss. You might find yourself turning the TV up louder, having a hard time keeping up with what is being said in loud places, or feeling a little unbalanced. Being aware of these small changes and sharing them with both your main doctor and your hearing specialist can get you out of trouble sooner and keep complications at bay later.
Protecting Your Heart and Hearing
The good news is that what is good for your heart is also beneficial to your ears. Good physical activity keeps the cardiovascular system strong and blood flowing to all parts of the body. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains will support nerve health and circulation. Even reducing sodium and sugar intake, tobacco smoking, and alcohol consumption only in moderation can make a positive impact.
Just as important, schedule routine check-ups for your heart and hearing. Routine hearing tests each year establish a baseline and allow your practitioner to track changes. Catching hearing loss early can be treated with hearing aids and other therapies, allowing you to stay connected to the community. Staying connected with the community can contribute to heart health through reduced stress and isolation. Making small strides over time can cumulatively lead to significant change. Thirty years of 30 minutes’ walking every day, keeping the blood pressure in a healthy range, and being active socially all pay dividends for your general health.
Listen to Your Body
Your hearing is also a reflection of your overall health. Do not dismiss changes, if any, you notice. Dizziness or tinnitus could be an indication of cardiovascular stress or circulatory issues. Or if you have been diagnosed with heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, get a hearing test.
Protecting your hearing protects more than your ability to hear. It also helps your energy, confidence, and connection to others. The connection between hearing health and the heart is a firm reminder that looking after one system looks after others. With ongoing care, you can lead an otherwise active life.