When you think about hearing loss, heart disease is not the first thing that comes to mind.
On the surface, the two appear to have nothing in common, but research has increasingly shown an undeniable connection.
The circulatory system plays a crucial role in the health of every organ, including the ears, and when the heart struggles to efficiently pump blood, the auditory system can suffer. Additionally, hearing loss can present itself before the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease or arteriosclerosis.
Heart disease is widely recognized for its impact on major organs like the brain and kidneys, but its effect on hearing is often overlooked. So, let’s learn more about this relationship, who is most at risk, and what can be done to prevent these issues from manifesting.
Circulation lies at the heart (no pun intended) of this issue.
The inner ear, which houses the cochlea, relies on a delicate network of tiny blood vessels to function properly. These vessels supply oxygen-rich blood to the hair cells responsible for translating sound vibrations into electrical signals for the brain, and when cardiovascular problems arise, the inner ear can become deprived of the oxygen it needs.
Since the ear’s vascular system is particularly fragile, any disruption can lead to permanent damage, manifesting as hearing loss.
Several studies had suggested that this relationship existed, but the epidemiological associations remained unclear until 2023, when a meta-analysis of this issue found that hearing loss and cardiovascular disease were “closely related.”
The same study suggested that physicians treating patients with hearing loss should understand this connection and consider hearing loss to be a key indicator of an individual’s general health.
On the other hand, people with heart disease or other cardiovascular issues are at a greater risk of developing hearing loss, which should be taken just as seriously.
Another key aspect of this relationship involves inflammation.
Chronic inflammation, which is commonly associated with cardiovascular disease, can damage the blood vessels in the ear and lead to reduced circulation and increased vulnerability to noise-induced damage.
Over time, this can inflame hearing loss particularly in individuals already at risk for heart disease.
Beyond the physiological aspects, lifestyle factors like regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet and blood pressure can all contribute to better circulation, which, in turn, results in better hearing health. Conversely, smoking, poor diet, and sedentary habits that increase cardiovascular risk may also heighten the likelihood of hearing loss.
Given these findings, healthcare providers are increasingly advocating for a more integrated approach to health.
Cardiologists and audiologists alike are recognizing the importance of monitoring hearing function in patients with cardiovascular disease. Similarly, individuals experiencing unexplained hearing loss may benefit from cardiovascular screenings to detect any underlying issues.
Ultimately, the connection between heart disease and hearing loss is foundational to understanding the body as a complex system rather than a collection of isolated organs, and as research continues to explore this link, we hope that greater awareness will lead to earlier interventions and unlimited positive outcomes.
