{"id":3370,"date":"2019-06-07T17:07:36","date_gmt":"2019-06-07T17:07:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/decibelhearing.com\/?p=3370"},"modified":"2019-06-11T16:46:35","modified_gmt":"2019-06-11T16:46:35","slug":"does-iron-deficiency-cause-hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/decibelhearing.com\/does-iron-deficiency-cause-hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Iron Deficiency Cause Hearing Loss?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u2013 including hearing loss<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Iron Deficiency Anemia<\/h2>\n

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When you aren\u2019t 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<\/a> (IDA). This common condition causes symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and cold hands and feet. If it isn\u2019t treated, IDA can cause more serious health issues including heart problems, delays in growth and development, fertility problems and premature birth.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, the most common form of impaired hearing, have IDA to some degree. The group conducted a retroactive study<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Iron-Rich Foods Can Help<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n