According to the WHO, heart disease and hearing problems are among the most common health problems. Unfortunately, these disorders are rapidly spreading in society, affecting even young people. Just 10 years ago, hearing loss was the hallmark of the elderly. But today, children and teenagers often have this diagnosis. Likewise with cardiovascular diseases. Is there a connection between these disorders? What can the symptoms tell us? Let’s explore these questions together!
Is the lack of blood circulation causing all the problems?
According to the WHO, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men and women around the world. Millions of people die each year from various disorders related to it. Despite the measures taken, the number is gradually increasing. And the trend has no intention of changing in a positive direction. What is the reason?
Most heart disease involves a defect in the blood vessels due to high blood pressure or narrowing of the arteries. These difficulties can cause blockage or rupture of blood vessels, which can cause chest pain or stroke. In other cases, cardiomyopathy leads to various heart diseases, such as heart failure.
A fair number of people don’t realize how serious the threat of heart disease is or how closely related it is to other illnesses, such as hearing problems. Both of these problems are often caused by inadequate blood flow. Heart problems can show the presence of hearing problems and vice versa.
Don’t neglect to check your health regularly. It is very important to be aware of all the risks and to take timely action. Treatment that starts on time helps to cope with the crisis in most cases. Hearing loss is no exception.
It reduces a person’s quality of life, significantly changing it for the worse. In addition, hearing loss can also be a symptom of another, more serious disease. Each person must carefully monitor their health and see changes. Can I see a hearing loss in time? There are early symptoms that indicate a decrease in hearing acuity. For example,
- Rapid fatigue at work
- Decreased concentration
- Deteriorating memory
- Frequent interruptions during conversations
- The need for higher TV volume
- Unwillingness to be present in noisy places and companies
These signs tell you that you have a hearing problem. You can check your hearing acuity with an online hearing test. Such a hearing test is available to anyone. All you need is a gadget with internet access and headphones. Thus, you’ll get your hearing tested at any convenient time and place. The test result will show you whether or not there is a problem and, if so, what you should do next. An online hearing test is not a substitute for an examination or a diagnosis in the audiologist’s office. But an online hearing test is enough to catch problems in time.
Audiology recommends that you have your hearing checked at least once a year. If your profession involves noise exposure (music, public transportation, construction, etc.), the period is reduced to once every six months. Remember, the earlier you notice a health problem, the earlier you start treatment, and the fewer problems you’ll have in the future!
What is the link between heart and hearing loss?
Poor blood flow due to vascular defects is the cause of many health problems. It can lead to cardiovascular diseases. How does a blood defect impair our hearing? Fine hair cells in the cochlea play an important role in converting noise into electrical impulses. Later the brain processes these impulses, and we perceive them as sounds. The hair cells depend on good blood circulation as they cannot regenerate. Poor circulation deprives them of enough oxygen, causing damage or destruction. What does it leads to? It is the development of hearing loss and tinnitus!
Research on CVDs and their effects on hearing over the past 60 years confirms that cardiovascular disease harms the auditory system. It is especially true for the elderly! Thus, having identified one disease, you can diagnose the other at an early stage for more effective treatment!
Tinnitus and heart disease
Altered blood vessels, narrowed arteries, hardened arteries, and other vascular problems can cause tinnitus that sounds like a heartbeat. It is pulsatile tinnitus. If you experience such a noise, see your doctor immediately. It can be harmless, and sometimes it is a sign of an exacerbation of heart disease.
Can a stroke lead to hearing loss?
Unfortunately, yes. A stroke is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain. It deprives the brain of oxygen, which it needs. It can cause hearing problems if a stroke happens in the area of the brain responsible for hearing or balance.
If a stroke affects the temporal lobe, the person may experience long-term negative changes in their hearing as well. These changes may include problems with hearing. A person may have difficulty hearing normal sounds, confusing them.
What about sudden hearing loss?
Sudden hearing loss is an understudied problem. It has a lot of questions. However, some studies show a link between sudden hearing loss and the risk of stroke. Therefore, people who experience sudden hearing loss in one ear are at increased risk of stroke for the next few years after hearing loss. The causes of sudden hearing loss are poorly understood. Some scientists believe that a disruption in the blood supply to the part of the brain responsible for hearing can cause it!
A few words on prevention
Like many diseases, heart problems and hearing loss do not just appear out of nowhere. You can reduce the risk of health problems to a minimum by using prevention tips. Observe the following recommendations:
- Give up junk food
- Say no to smoking and alcohol
- Use diets
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Don’t let stress affect your life
These simple guidelines work effectively. People who take care of their health get sick less and look better. As we discussed in the article, the main cause of many disorders is vascular problems. They can easily be avoided by eating right and living an active lifestyle! Take care of yourself, and you won’t soon hear an unpleasant diagnosis!
