Healthnotes Library
The Heart-Hearing Connection
Published and reviewed October 2010
Noise exposure, heredity, and aging are all commonly understood factors that contribute to hearing loss. But what if someone smokes, is overweight or obese and has a high Body Mass Index (BMI)? Or what about diabetes? You may be surprised, but it turns out the health of our heart has an influence on the health of our ears.
The sensory organ of hearing, the cochlea, relies on a strong flow of blood to stay healthy and do its job. Disease that affects blood flow, such as obesity, may have an impact on the health of the cochlea, not to mention many other organs in the body. One unique attribute of the cochlea is that, unlike other organs in the body, it does not have the ability to heal itself, even if the behavior that brought about the damage stops. If someone stops smoking, for instance, other organs may recover and heal to a certain extent, but not the delicate structures in the cochlea. Perhaps in the future there will be a way to regenerate the cells in the cochlea, but for now we have to take care of what we have.
Like obesity or overweight conditions, if diabetes, or even pre-diabetes is left untreated, it can affect the circulatory system. Once again, the health of blood vessels throughout the body and the ear is no exception.
Most people are aware of the link between vision and diabetes. If so, they may be proactive and have their vision checked regularly by a professional. However, people may be surprised to learn that more recent studies have also found a link with hearing, typically affecting the ability to hear high frequencies. In fact, the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that a person with diabetes is twice as likely to suffer from hearing loss as someone without the disease. Left untreated, hearing loss can lead to depression, isolation, and loss of income. Conversely, treating hearing loss with hearing instruments has a positive impact on the quality of life.
It is not just adults who face greater risks to health and hearing if they are overweight or obese. One recent study1 stated that the incidence of ear infections is going up with the higher rate of childhood obesity. The theory is that the increase in inflammation that comes with obesity interferes with Eustachian tube function, which in turn leads to more ear infections.
The underlying message of so many studies is to take care of yourself. If you do, it is hoped the positive affects will spill over to other areas of your health and wellness. Exercise, eat right, stay connected with friends and family, and find healthy ways to de-stress. We do not need a funded study to tell us what we all know. If something does go wrong, however, it is helpful to know of all potential outcomes and manage them with your health professionals.
1. Jong Bin Kim, MD; Dong Choon Park, MD, PhD; Chang Il Cha, PhD; Seung Geun Yeo, MD, PhD. Relationship between pediatric obesity and otitis media with effusion. Archives Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2007; 133(4):379-382.
About the Author
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Sarah Klimasewski, Au.D.
Sarah Klimasewski, Au.D., is an audiologist and community outreach coordinator with Hart Hearing Centers of Rochester. Dr. Klimasewski obtained her clinical doctorate degree from Salus University in 2009 and her MS degree from Syracuse University in 1992. She has previously worked in a variety of clinical settings and currently dedicates her time to educating the public on hearing related topics. She grew up in the Rochester area; graduating from West Irondequoit High School and currently resides in Fairport. |
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The Rochester Healthnote Library consists of locally-authored articles either commissioned by Rochester Health or republished with the author’s permission. The information provided in the Rochester Healthnote Library is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.
