With Valentine’s Day tomorrow, you’re probably thinking about matters of the heart more than usual. We wanted to take the opportunity to discuss the connection between your heart health and your hearing health.
How Hearing Works
To discuss the complex relationship between heart health and hearing, we need to review how hearing works. When sound waves reach the inner ear, they enter an organ called the cochlea. The cochlea is shaped like a snail shell, filled with fluid and lined with thousands of tiny sensory cells. Sound waves cause the cochlear fluid to ripple, much like a pond when you drop a pebble into it. The sensory cells move in the ripples, and their movement generates electrical signals that are then sent to the brain.
Why Cardiovascular Health Matters for Hearing
The sensory cells of the cochlea are delicate and do not regenerate if they die or are damaged. They are particularly sensitive to blood flow, which brings them the oxygen they need to complete their function in our ability to hear. If they are deprived of steady, healthy blood flow, they may wither away.
The heart is part of the cardiovascular system, also called the circulatory system. It encompasses the heart, blood vessels and arteries. Since the cochlear sensory cells are so attuned to blood health, it follows that certain heart and cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, anemia or conditions that can cause arterial malformations, can lead to hearing loss or tinnitus.
What the Research Says
Many studies have shown a correlation between heart health and hearing health. Here are some of them:
- This 2014 study shows a positive relationship between the health of the cardiovascular system and the functional ability of the inner ear’s organs and tissues.
- This 2017 Australian study found that heart disease is associated with an increased risk of hearing loss.
- This 2010 research review examined 10 existing studies that spanned 60 years, and it has two main conclusions: first, that poor cardiovascular health had a negative influence on the auditory system, and second, that efforts to improve cardiovascular health also had a positive impact on hearing health.
There are many more, as well.
Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Hearing
Good circulation supports good hearing. With that in mind, here are some lifestyle tips to help keep your heart in good shape, meaning you’ll indirectly benefit your hearing health, as well.
- Regular exercise
- Eat a heart-healthy diet: eat more fruits, veggies, whole grains and healthy fats, and limit sodium and added sugars
- Practice good sleep hygiene, and get enough sleep at night
- Manage stress levels
- See your doctor regularly to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels
- Drink alcohol only in moderation
- Quit smoking, and avoid secondhand smoke
If you want to learn more about the connection between hearing health and heart health, feel free to ask us. Additionally, if you think you need a hearing test, contact us to schedule an appointment.