Hearing loss affects millions of adults in the UK, but for some reason auditory health is less of a popular concern than teeth or eyesight.
Unexpected Contributors to Hearing Loss
While many people associate hearing loss with ageing or exposure to loud noises, these are not the only contributors. Various unexpected factors can influence hearing ability, suggesting that individuals need to give their auditory function greater attention.
Three primary categories of hearing loss:
- Sensorineural hearing loss, the most common type, results from damage to the inner ear, specifically the cochlea, the organ of hearing. Sensorineural hearing loss is often linked to age, head trauma or illness.
- Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is obstructed from reaching the inner ear, typically fluid in the middle ear, an ear infection, or a perforated eardrum.
- Mixed hearing loss constitutes the presence of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
Hearing impairment can develop gradually and go unnoticed for some time. Signs such as needing to increase volume levels on devices or frequently asking for repetitions may indicate underlying issues.
Health and Lifestyle Factors Impacting Your Ears
It's imperative to consider various health factors that could connect to hearing loss. For example, a common issue leading to conductive hearing loss is wax build up blocking the ears, which is often easily resolved by ear wax removal.
Research also highlights several surprising factors that could affect one's hearing. For instance, both viral and bacterial infections can contribute to hearing degradation. Common illnesses, like colds or ear infections, may lead to temporary hearing issues.
Viruses generally cause sensorineural hearing loss, while bacterial infections, particularly of the middle ear, are associated with conductive hearing loss. Sometimes, persistent tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears, will accompany these infections.
Head trauma also plays a significant role in hearing health. Injuries resulting in damage to ear structures or the brain can impede auditory signals. Even minor incidents can compromise auditory function, making it essential to discuss any head trauma with a healthcare provider if hearing problems are noted.
Dental issues may seem unrelated to hearing, yet infections in the mouth, such as those from tooth decay or impacted wisdom teeth, can lead to inflammation that restricts blood flow to the auditory system, potentially causing hearing loss over time.
Additionally, diabetes poses a risk as individuals with the condition are twice as likely to experience hearing impairment. High glucose levels can adversely affect inner ear nerves, underscoring the importance of maintaining blood sugar levels.
High blood pressure can also impact hearing. Elevated blood pressure may cause temporary hearing loss because of increased blood flow but may also result in more permanent damage if consistently high.
Medication Side Effects
Moreover, certain prescription medications are known to be ototoxic, potentially harming one's hearing or balance. The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) indicates there are numerous medications that can negatively affect hearing.
Recent studies have further linked sleep apnoea to heightened instances of hearing loss, with research suggesting that reduced blood flow during sleep can damage the cells essential for auditory function.
The Importance of Regular Hearing Assessments and Early Intervention
"All these conditions emphasise the need for regular ear examinations and hearing assessments to maintain optimal hearing health,” says Eva Opitz, a Clinical Audiologist at Hearology®. "Many people experience blocked ear symptoms and attempt self-treatment, without realising the risks of causing harm and often exacerbating the problem. We strongly recommend a hearing test to establish a baseline, which we offer free of charge in our clinics. This helps in identifying potential issues early and supporting individuals in managing their symptoms.”
“Depending on the findings, we guide the individual with their options. For example, ear cleaning using microsuction is the perfect solution to resolve blocked ears. Swab and antibiotic prescription will clear up an ear infection. Hearing aids or cognitive behavioural therapy will address many of the symptoms associated with tinnitus.
An Epley Manoeuvre will resolve 80% of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo cases. And early detection of hearing loss leads to timely intervention with hearing aids, with subsequent significant quality of life improvements, not to mention the prevention of further deterioration and related cognitive decline. There’s lots that we can do, the important thing is not to pretend that our ears don’t also need the kind of regular care we give our eyes and teeth!”
References
- Hearing Difficulties Among Adults: United States, 2019 - Discusses hearing difficulties among adults in the United States, emphasising how hearing issues increase with age and vary by demographic factors.
- How many deaf people live in the United States? - Provides information on the number of individuals in the U.S. who are deaf or have serious difficulty hearing, supporting the prevalence of hearing loss as a significant health concern.
- JAMA Network - Supports the prevalence of hearing loss among older adults and highlights the importance of understanding its causes and treatments. It also notes that hearing loss is often underdiagnosed and underrated
- Mayo Clinic - Explains the causes and types of hearing loss, including sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss, aligning with the article's description of these categories.
- Ototoxic Medications - Lists medications that can be harmful to hearing, supporting the claim about ototoxic medications.
