People with low iron levels in Simi Valley have a higher risk of developing health problems such as anemia. This, in turn, can lead to additional medical complications – including hearing loss.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
When you aren’t getting enough iron in your body, your red blood cell count drops. This results in reduced oxygen levels and can lead to Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA). This common condition causes symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and cold hands and feet. If it isn’t treated, IDA can cause more serious health issues including heart problems, delays in growth and development, fertility problems and premature birth.
A new study by researchers at Pennsylvania State University also found a connection between IDA and hearing loss. The team wanted to examine this connection based on the fact that around 90 percent of patients with sensorineural hearing loss, the most common form of impaired hearing, have IDA to some degree. The group conducted a retroactive study of 300,000 patients, ranging in age from children to the elderly, who were diagnosed with IDA. Their results showed that iron deficiency does cause a higher risk of hearing loss. This is likely due to the lack of oxygen in the blood, which can damage the vestibulocochlear nerve that is responsible for hearing and balance. 15 percent of test subjects had hearing problems as far back as 2014. Hearing impairment is more common as we age, but factors such as IDA, diabetes, high blood pressure and tobacco smoke increase your risk of developing hearing loss at a younger age.
Iron-Rich Foods Can Help
If you are diagnosed with IDA, you can prevent hearing loss by making a few modifications to your diet. Obviously, the earlier your condition is detected, the better your odds of making changes in time to reduce your risk.
Plenty of foods are rich in iron, so even picky eaters are bound to find something they like. Good sources of iron include the following foods:
- Red meat
- Pork
- Poultry
- Seafood
- Beans
- Green, leafy vegetables
- Dried fruits
- Cereals
- Bread
- Pasta
And, believe it or not, beer can be a good addition to your diet – in moderation, of course. A pint of Guinness contains an impressive 3 percent of the recommended daily allowance of iron – a fact not lost on tourism officials in Ireland. A trip to Dublin may be a costly way of making up for an iron deficiency, but isn’t good health a top priority?
For more information on the link between iron levels and hearing loss, talk to your audiologist in Simi Valley.