• View Our Location
  • Contact Us
  • Schedule appointment
SHAC_Logo_rnd4_1_RGB-01
  • Memphis, TN : (901) 415-6667
  • Memphis, TN (901) 415-6667
  • View our location
Menu
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Our Services
  • Your Hearing
  • Hearing Aids
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
  • Blog

How Does Heart Health Impact Hearing Health?

Back

How Does Heart Health Impact Hearing Health?

Posted by Shea Hearing Aid Center on February 01, 2017

With February upon us and Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we decided to take a look at research concerning how heart health and hearing health are connected! Research data reveals a link between hearing health and cardiovascular health. In fact, the two often correspond, a healthy cardiovascular system appears to have a positive effect on hearing. Study findings suggest that a healthy heart and cardiovascular system may be important for healthy hearing.

Let’s take a closer look at why the two are connected. Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin have been studying the relationship between hearing health and cardiovascular health for many years. Professor and Vice Chair of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences David R. Friedland, M.D., Ph.D. explains, “The inner ear is so sensitive to blood flow that it is possible that abnormalities in the cardiovascular system could be noted here earlier than in other less sensitive parts of the body.”

Our complex hearing systems are sensitive to changes in blood flow and inadequate blood flow can damage hearing. Researchers theorize that hearing loss can result from damage to blood vessels in the inner ear. Damaged blood vessels reduce blood flow, causing possible permanent damage to the structures in the inner ear. Unlike other structures in our bodies, the inner ear does not have a backup supply of blood flow, leaving it vulnerable to damage with inadequate blood flow.

Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin found correlations between certain audiometric patterns and arterial disease. One pattern, referred to as a reverse slope audiogram, which identifies low-frequency hearing loss, may suggest the presence or potential development of cardiovascular disease. The study, published in The Laryngoscope, prompts hearing professionals to consider making a referral to assess cardiovascular health and additional risk factors after low-frequency hearing loss has been identified.

The link between hearing health and cardiovascular health is strong. Hearing loss is seldom found in isolation. In fact, the opposite is true, it is often accompanied by other health conditions. The connection between hearing health and cardiovascular health has led many professionals to believe the ear may be a window into the heart. 

According to audiologist Charles E. Bishop, Assistant Professor in the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, “Hearing health should not be assessed in a vacuum. There is simply too much evidence that hearing loss is related to cardiovascular disease and other health conditions. It’s time we maximized the information we have in order to benefit the individual’s overall well-being.”

Research from Miami University found that the higher the level of cardiovascular fitness, the better the hearing for older research participants (June 2010 American Journal of Audiology). An active lifestyle can improve cardiovascular health and increase blood flow to the ear. According to the American Journal of Medicine, increased physical activity can actually decrease your risk for hearing loss. The American Heart Association also recommends maintaining a healthy diet and keeping blood pressure within a healthy range.

In light of the link between cardiovascular health and hearing health, The Better Hearing Institute recommends annual hearing evaluations for individuals age 40 and older as part of their annual routine medical screenings. Individuals with risk factors for developing heart disease and those who have already been diagnosed should be especially vigilant about hearing health. Additional cardiovascular disease risk factors, that can also increase the risk of hearing loss, include a sedentary lifestyle, increased body mass index and a large waist circumference.

 

 

Sources:

  • • Hearing Loss: BHI Highlights the Connection to Heart Health http://www.healthyhearing.com/content/news/Hearing-loss/Causes/47688-Hearing-loss-heart-health
  • • http://www.healthyhearing.com

 

 

An original version of this blog first appeared on www.starkey.com by audiologist Beth McCormick. 

Blog Archive

  • 2013
  • 2014
  • 2015
  • 2016
  • 2017
  • 2018
  • 2019
  • 2020
  • 2021

Contact us

Shea Hearing Aid Center
6133 Poplar Pike
Memphis, TN 38119
(901) 415-6667
View our location
  • Facebook
  • 2021-09-10

    Never had a problem with any of my many visits.

    Gary Smith View Review
  • 2021-09-09

    I have been going to Shea Clinic for several years now and am very satisfied with my experiences....

    Dennis Morris View Review
  • 2021-09-08

    Everyone in the office is so nice and very accommodating! Highly recommend.

    Connie Looney View Review
  • 2021-09-07

    I was very pleased with my experience today at Shea Clinic. The Staff is very professional and Da...

    Betty Buchignani View Review
  • 2021-09-06

    Shea Clinic and Dr. Shea are wonderful! The audiologist is as well. I appreciate all your experti...

    L Peterson View Review
  • 2021-08-31

    Great experience. Dave is both personable and professional as is the office staff.

    Ken Carver View Review
  • 2021-08-30

    Just purchased so am just beginning, but so far am very pleased.

    Keith McGregor View Review
  • 2021-08-25

    Very enjoyable morning learning of new options that was very interesting. Am waiting for my new ...

    Paula Young View Review
  • 2021-08-23

    Always friendly and care about the patient

    Curtis Perry View Review
  • 2021-07-05

    Bought first hearing aids in 2009, second set in 2016 and third set in June, 2021. First class se...

    Mike Ritz View Review
  • 2021-07-12

    Professional & prompt service. They explained everything thoroughly in helping me choose the bes...

    Rhonda View Review
  • 2021-07-05

    Dave took time to check my hearing and adjust settings on my hearing aid. I am hearing better th...

    Cheryl Webb-Oliver View Review
  • 2021-07-05

    Always helpful. Thanks

    Wayne Douglas View Review
  • 2021-05-03

    Friendly, knowledgeable, technicians. Teach you how to use your hearing aid, and monitor your set...

    Pat Everett View Review
  • 2021-02-15

    The Shea clinic and especially Dr Everett have been such an important contribution to the quality...

    Charles Richard Cozzens View Review
  • 2016-10-27

    I really didn't know what to expect when going to the Shea Ear Clinic- I had already had my heari...

    Rebecca Powers View Review
  • 2015-09-01

    It comes down to the people. The Shea Clinic professionals understand the pratfalls of hearing im...

    Jeff Brunker View Review
  • 2019-11-22

    The staff at Shea are very friendly and professional.

    Terry Robertson View Review
© 2022 - Shea Hearing Aid Center
  • Privacy Policy
  • Online Hearing Test
  • Trademarks