The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Cardiovascular Health
Did you know that your hearing may be tied to the health of your cardiovascular system? A growing body of research is pointing out the importance of blood flow as well as the impact of trauma to blood vessels on the inner ear.
Heart Disease and the Inner Ear
Heart disease is reported as the leading cause of death in both men and women per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is typically linked to blood vessel damage and/or stiffening or narrowing of the arteries, which leads to chest pain, a heart attack, or a stroke.
The inner ear is a complex set of organs that can be adversely impacted by lack of oxygen due to limited blood flow. We are still learning more about the relationship between the heart and the inner ear, but it appears that there is a correlation between a healthy blood circulation and a healthy inner ear.
A heart that isn’t functioning at its peak can’t adequately nourish the inner-ear structures that require robust blood flow. The ears could be a “window to the heart” in regards to the relationship between hearing loss and cardiovascular health.
Risk of Stroke and Complications
Some research studies indicate that in cases of sudden hearing loss in one ear, the chances of having a stroke within the next few years can increase.
People who have strokes may experience changes in their hearing such as difficulty recognizing speech, altered perceptions of normal/typical sounds, and in rare instances auditory hallucinations.
Untreated hearing loss can have many negative social and health impacts, including depression, fatigue, social withdrawal, impaired memory, headaches, and muscle tension.
What We Do at The Marions Down Center
The Marion Downs Center works with our patients’ health care providers to understand better their medical history and come up with treatment plans based on their individual needs.
Contact the Marion Downs Center to make an appointment.