There is a strong link between hearing loss and a number of other health conditions. Here are a few examples of how hearing loss can be related to other health issues:
Cardiovascular disease: Research has shown that individuals with hearing loss are more likely to have cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. It is not clear whether hearing loss causes these conditions or if they share a common cause, but the link between the two is strong.
Dementia: Studies have found that individuals with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. It is thought that the strain of trying to understand spoken language with hearing loss may contribute to cognitive decline.
Diabetes: Hearing loss has been linked to diabetes, wear individuals with diabetes being more likely to experience hearing loss. It is not clear why this link exists, but it may be related to the damaging effects of high blood sugar on the blood vessels in the ear.
Falls and accidents: Hearing loss can make it difficult to hear important sounds such as alarms, traffic, and warnings, which can increase the risk of falls and accidents.
It is important to address hearing loss as soon as it is detected in order to potentially mitigate the risk of these and other health issues. If you are experiencing hearing loss, consider seeking the services of an audiologist to discuss treatment options.