For obvious reasons, continual exposure to loud noises (generally considered as those above 70dBs) is the leading cause of hearing loss and is something that most of us take at least some steps to avoid. However, with as many as 20% of the global population experiencing hearing loss at some stage, it’s also plain to see that noise exposure can’t be the only cause. In fact, experts are increasingly finding that some surprising causes could also be behind damage of this nature. Here, we’re going to consider what exactly those causes are.
1. High Blood Pressure
Various health complaints have been proven to at least contribute to hearing loss, and high blood pressure is at the top of that list. This was especially evident in a 2013 study that revealed hearing loss in more than 54% of participants with high blood pressure, compared with just 18% with normal blood pressure. Experts believe that this is a result of overwhelmed blood vessels in the ear which can accelerate the degeneration of crucial hearing organs.
2. Anemia Caused by Iron Deficiency
As red blood cells deplete in individuals with low iron levels, risks of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss increase. This is so much the case that studies have revealed an almost doubled chance of hearing trouble in those with IDA, for reasons that may include damage to tiny inner-ear capillaries that typically convert sound into electrical signals for interpretation.
3. Allergies
Swelling from allergic reactions has been known to block the ear canal and cause inner-ear fluid build-ups which can lead to infection. If left unchecked, these infections can lead to a range of issues including tinnitus, dizziness, and even ruptured eardrums that result in permanent hearing damage.
4. Sleep Apnea
While the condition is characterized by breathing troubles during sleep, studies have also found links between hearing loss and sleep apnea. Experts believe that this is in part because periods of sleep apnea result in oxygen deprivation that can damage the inner ear over time. Continued sound exposure to loud snoring can also hasten the onset of noise-induced hearing loss.
5. Medication
In some instances, the medications that we take for other conditions can also play their part in hearing loss. Experts have especially found that medications such as aspirin can cause temporary hearing loss due to its active ingredient, salicylate. Further to this, medications for specific conditions, including many chemotherapy drugs, can result in permanent hearing loss due to the direct damage that they can cause to the inner ear.
6. Stress
Stress can also contribute to hearing loss for a range of reasons, including the fact that fight or flight responses see oxygen and crucial blood supply taken away from our ears. Hypertension that’s caused by continued periods of high stress can also lead to hemorrhaging in the ears that causes either temporary or permanent hearing damage.
7. Diet
Poor diet can also impact hearing loss, with individuals who are severely overweight at as high as a 25% increased risk. This is because the excessive consumption of saturated fats and sugars can directly interfere with blood flow to the ears. Further to this, often weight-related health complaints like diabetes also have strong hearing loss links due to continually high blood sugar levels which damage inner-ear capillaries.
8. Excessive Exercise
While most commonly associated with health benefits, excessive exercise can lead to hearing complaints including dizziness, temporary tinnitus, and even inner-ear damage. That’s because increased intracranial pressure creates pressure within the ears that can facilitate blockages, rupture, and worse.
9. Unhealthy Habits
Unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking can also contribute to hearing loss, with smoking, in particular, significantly increasing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss due to neurotransmitter blockages. Regularly consuming large amounts of alcohol can also result in damage to the central auditory cortex, leading to issues including trouble processing lower frequencies or maintaining balance.
Even your best efforts at maintaining optimum hearing health may fail to prevent problems if you aren’t aware of just how many factors can contribute. Ultimately, though, regardless of why you’re experiencing poor hearing health, the best thing that you can do when symptoms arise is to contact a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) who can help guide you towards the best possible treatment course. If you’re at all concerned that these surprising causes could be doing damage to your hearing health, you certainly shouldn’t hesitate to contact Galco Hearing Aid Service today at (281) 245-0520.
