Undeniably, hearing is one of the most valuable senses people use every day. To lose one’s hearing means having a hard time performing simple tasks or engaging in conversations. However, did you know that besides these disadvantages, several illnesses, diseases, and medical conditions can also be linked to hearing loss? Let this article tell you what you need to know.
Medical Conditions Connected to Hearing Loss
1. Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that affects how the body uses food to make energy. However, besides the common diabetic symptoms, including blurry vision and pain in the hands and feet, many patients also have this “hidden” symptom: hearing loss.
2. Migraines
Chronic migraine attacks may damage the tissues in the inner ear, which can cause hearing problems.
3. Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is a genetic disease that can often lead to partial or complete hearing loss. It is a bone disease that affects the elimination of bone from the middle and inner ear. Sometimes, the hearing loss is accompanied by tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears.
4. Stroke
A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks the blood flow to the brain. It is one of the most life-threatening medical conditions and can cause hearing loss.
5. Heart Disease
According to the American Heart Association, there is a connection between cardiovascular disease and hearing loss. The arteries and veins found in the inner ear are fed by the same arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the rest of the body. That makes hearing loss one of the lesser-known symptoms of cardiovascular disease.
6. Hardening of the Arteries
Arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries causes a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the blood to the inner ear. Gradually, inner ear diseases, like minimum blood supply, can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
7. Alcohol Abuse
In addition to the fact that alcohol consumption can lead to ear infections, liver disease, and even brain damage, it can also cause hearing loss.
8. Cancer
Some types of tumors can be located in the inner ear. Usually, these tumors are benign but can spread to other parts of the body, including bone, bone marrow, and brain. Cancerous tumors can eventually cause hearing loss.
9. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that damages the nerve cells in your brain and spinal cord. It is a progressive disease that affects vision, speech, muscle control, and balance.
10. Anemia
Hearing loss is one of the most common symptoms of anemia, which occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells or the cells are defective. Anemia, however, can be treated by taking iron or other nutritional supplements.
11. Stress
Hearing loss is indirectly connected to stress. The high levels of stress hormones in the system can make the bones in the middle ear thinner, decreasing their ability to deliver high-pitched sounds.
12. Aging
As you get older, you may experience a decline in your hearing. This loss is directly proportional to age. The older people are, the worse their ability to hear.
Conclusion
There is a strong connection between hearing loss and several medical conditions like the ones mentioned in this article. If you want to confirm whether the symptoms of a hearing loss are connected to the onset of a medical condition, consult your doctor. Good hearing health is essential, so the sooner you diagnose the problem, the better the chances you will recover your hearing.
If you are looking for the best hearing specialist in Massachusetts, you are on the right page. Hear More Associates has a reputation and locations that have grown from our honest and transparent approach to hearing care. We offer a full range of hearing solutions, from advanced hearing care to the proper hearing aids for you to use. Contact us to get your free hearing test.
