Hearing plays a critical role in good overall health and wellness. Taking steps to protect hearing and prevent hearing loss may reduce the risk for health problems, including dementia and depression.
The Links Between Hearing and Health
Over the last several years, researchers have discovered that people with certain health conditions are at greater risk for hearing loss. At the same time, they found that people with hearing loss are also more likely to develop those same health problems. For instance, according to a study published in a 2012 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, older adults with mild hearing loss are three times more likely to experience an accidental fall compared with their peers who do not have hearing loss.
Understanding the various links between hearing and health may empower people to take better care of their ears and hearing so they can reduce their risk for related health problems.
Dementia
Any degree of hearing loss can make the brain work harder, which may deplete some of the energy the brain needs to carry out other functions, according to a study published in a 2014 issue of Aging and Mental Health. This increases the risk for dementia, given how the brain has to apply more energy to hearing than to other tasks.
Hearing loss also makes it difficult to communicate with others. As a result, many people with hearing loss may isolate themselves from others to avoid frustrating and embarrassing situations. Over time, social isolation and lack of mental stimulation can also contribute to dementia.
Falls and Accidents
The inner part of the ear controls balance—therefore, any problems affecting the inner ear can impair balance and coordination to cause falls. Additionally, hearing loss can make it difficult for people to know what’s going on around them and gauge where their bodies are concerning nearby objects. This can often lead to falls and other accidents, such as when someone with hearing loss steps in front of someone running or riding a bike.
Depression/Social Isolation
The social isolation that occurs with hearing loss can often increase the risk of depression. According to a study published in a 2015 issue of JAMA, depression affects more than 11% of people with hearing impairment. Hearing loss and depression are closely linked to social isolation and dementia due to how people with hearing loss may withdraw from social activities and distance themselves from others due to communication barriers.
Diabetes
Hearing loss may not cause diabetes, though researchers have found that diabetes can increase the risk of hearing loss. High blood sugar levels in diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels in the ears to trigger hearing problems. The CDC reports that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes than in those without diabetes.
Heart Disease
An estimated 75% of adults aged 70 and older with heart failure suffer from some degree of hearing loss, reports a 2018 study published in JAMA. Researchers are not exactly sure why or how heart disease causes hearing loss—they just know that having heart disease increases the risk. Those with heart disease or who meet risk factors for it can work closely with their doctors to improve their condition and avoid potential hearing loss.
Sonora Hearing Care is devoted to working with you to reduce your risk for hearing loss and dementia, and other hearing-related health conditions. Our hearing care services include hearing aid repair, hearing aid programming, and ear wax removal, among many more. Contact us today at (520) 881-8740 to schedule a consultation and to learn more about our many available hearing services.