Besides both starting with the letter “H,” the heart and the hearing systems don’t appear to have very much in common. However, they do share a connection. The inner ear structures depend on healthy blood flow to work properly—and when your circulation is compromised due to a heart issue, your hearing can be one of the places it shows up.
Researchers have been exploring this relationship between hearing and the heart for years, and the findings are hard to ignore.
What the Research Shows
Studies are revealing links between hearing loss and cardiovascular conditions like heart disease.
- One large analysis of multiple studies found that people with hearing loss were at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
- Other research shows that people with any degree of hearing loss are three to five times more likely to self-report heart disease than those without hearing concerns.
Keep in mind that these numbers don’t mean hearing loss causes heart disease (or the other way around), but they do point to something important: The two conditions often show up together.
Why Blood Flow Matters to Your Ears
The inner ear, specifically the cochlea, is one of the most sensitive structures in the body when it comes to blood supply. It relies on a steady flow of oxygen-rich blood to keep the tiny sensory cells that help you hear functioning.
When blood flow is reduced—which can happen with high blood pressure, atherosclerosis or other heart-related issues—those delicate cells in the ear can be damaged, potentially leading to hearing loss.
Over time, even subtle reductions in blood circulation may have a noticeable effect on how clearly you hear.
Shared Risk Factors Between the Two
The same habits and conditions that affect your heart often affect your hearing, too.
Shared risk factors between the two include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Poor diet
- Lack of physical activity
These factors can negatively impact blood vessels throughout the body, including the tiny ones that support hearing. Over time, reduced circulation may limit the oxygen and nutrients your inner ear needs to function properly, increasing the risk of hearing changes and communication difficulties.
Help Your Heart, Help Your Hearing
When you take steps to support your heart—staying active, eating well and managing blood pressure—you can support healthy hearing at the same time.
Looking for another way to ensure you’re taking good care of your hearing? Get a checkup from our team. Our complete hearing testing is quick and painless and will provide you with a more complete picture of your hearing health, as well as whether hearing aids are an appropriate treatment for you.
Don’t wait; prioritize your hearing health by reaching out to us today to schedule your appointment.