Cardiovascular disease, an umbrella term that covers coronary artery disease issues such as blocked arteries and other systemic vascular diseases, can be caused by a number of factors, including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis. These conditions are often the result of damaged blood vessels that have been starved of oxygen and other nutrients.
Another lesser-known side effect is hearing loss.
While hearing loss does not cause cardiovascular disease, the reverse is likely true, as both share a common pathology. Researchers theorize that narrow, clogged blood vessels are unable to provide enough red cells to deliver oxygen to the inner ear, where the sensitivity to blood flow is well known. This cellular starvation can damage the microcilia in the cochlea, contributing to low frequency hearing loss, and it may predict the presence or potential development of cardiovascular disease. Think of it as a sign of a larger system-wide problem. For this reason, patients who have cardiovascular disease should be referred for hearing testing.
About one in three American adults has high blood pressure, according to the CDC.
The Journal of Speech-Language-Hearing Research reports that hearing loss is 54% MORE LIKELY in people with heart disease than in those without cardiovascular disease; even high cholesterol can impact your hearing.
Call Hearing Focused at (262) 679-8888 for more information or to schedule an appointment.