Hearing Loss: Common Diseases Responsible

Hearing loss affects many people. We know the common causes of hearing loss, which can occur for various reasons. The two most typical causes of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).

• Old age 

• Loud noise exposure.

Numerous additional factors are unrelated to the ear yet nonetheless contribute to hearing loss. Firstly, let's learn about hearing loss.

Understanding Hearing Loss

The condition of hearing loss affects how well a person can hear. It might be minor to deep and affect either one or both ears. Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss are the two basic categories. A blockage or injury to the eardrum in the outer or middle ear can result in conductive hearing loss. Damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways that carry sound to the brain results in sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing loss can be brought on by aging, exposure to loud noises, heredity, and a few medical problems. 

How Can Diabetes Affect Hearing

Scientific research has shown that diabetes does contribute to hearing loss.

People with diabetes have a 50% increased risk of developing hearing loss. Typically, diabetics get sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).A 30% increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss exists in pre-diabetics. Pre-Diabetics are those who are on the verge of developing diabetes but do not yet have it.

Diabetes and Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Numerous studies have linked diabetes to sensorineural hearing loss. The main cause is persistently elevated blood glucose levels (chronic hyperglycemia) or abnormal blood sugar levels.

Hearing Loss Due To Heart Disease

Heart disease and hearing loss have long been known to be associated with one another.

Heart disease patients are 54% more likely to get sensorineural hearing loss.

Heart disease and hearing loss — The cochlea, located in the inner ear, houses the sensitive hair cells that enable hearing.

The cochlea receives oxygen-rich blood from the tiny blood arteries to maintain its health. Heart illness reduces the heart's ability to pump blood. Additionally, the heart is not able to pump blood more forcefully.

If the heart's pumping motion is insufficient, the tiny blood arteries connecting the cochlea do not receive enough blood, which damages the cochlea's hair cells and causes sensorineural hearing loss.

It has been demonstrated that improving cardiovascular health lowers the chance of hearing loss.

Hearing Loss Due To Thyroid

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that controls our body's energy and metabolism and generates hormones.

Numerous illnesses can affect the thyroid and compromise its function. A person with a thyroid disorder may produce fewer hormones than normal, a condition known medically as hypothyroidism. Thyroxine, a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland, is in charge of the cochlea's growth.

Thyroxine hormone supports the Cochlea both before and after development. Thyroid Gland and Hearing Loss.

Thyroxine also aids in preventing hearing loss brought on by noise.

Both hyperthyroidism (excessive hormone production) and hypothyroidism (reduced hormone production) result in sensorineural hearing loss.

The signs of hearing loss might differ from person to person, however, they typically include

• Hearing ringing

• A sense of fullness or pressure in the ears

• Speech that sounds slurred or mumbled

• Having trouble hearing sounds with a higher pitch or feeling dizzy or vertigo and off-balance. 

• People with thyroid illnesses should maintain a healthy diet.

Iodine, vitamins A and D, minerals including selenium and iron, and vitamin iodine all support healthy thyroid function and should be consumed regularly.

Hearing Loss Due To Obesity

Despite growing awareness of a healthy lifestyle, obesity continues to be a serious issue.

The modern lifestyle is the primary contributor to obesity. Although fast food, automation, remote control, and apps have made life easier, they have also decreased our physical activity. It can result in hearing loss and is a sign of poor health.

Obesity and Hearing Loss — Although obesity doesn't cause hearing loss, it can surely raise the likelihood of it.

Every organ in the body receives blood from the heart. Our inner ear is supplied with blood by small capillaries and arteries. The heart has to work harder to pump blood to the smallest organ in an obese individual. The heart's ability to pump blood decreases over time, which causes a steady decrease in blood flow to the smaller organs.

The inner ear's hair cells suffer damage as a result of decreased blood flow. As a result, there are less active hair cells overall, which leads to sensorineural hearing loss.

Diabetes and heart disease are brought on by obesity, both of which worsen hearing. Living a healthy lifestyle is crucial. Do make time to look after your body.

Ending Thought

In conclusion, visiting a hearing specialist is crucial for preserving your quality of life. You may enhance your hearing and live life to the fullest by being aware of the warning symptoms of hearing loss, scheduling an appointment with your general care physician, going to an audiologist or ENT specialist, talking about treatment choices, and continuing with routine care.