What are the Comorbidities of Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss affects how we engage with the world. It impacts communication, relationships, and overall well-being. But hearing loss does not just stand alone—it often occurs alongside other health conditions. What are the comorbidities of hearing loss? Understanding these connections can help you take steps to protect your hearing and overall health.

Understanding Comorbidities and Hearing Loss

Comorbidity refers to having two or more chronic health conditions at the same time. Many chronic conditions are associated with hearing loss, either as contributing factors or as consequences. The risk of comorbid conditions increases with age, making it essential to recognize and address these connections.

Hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition among older adults in the United States. While some conditions increase the risk of hearing loss, others worsen due to untreated hearing impairment. By understanding these links, individuals can take steps to manage their overall health and well-being.

How Common Is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss affects millions of people. The prevalence of hearing loss increases significantly with age:

  • 0.5% of adults ages 20-29 experience hearing loss.
  • 6.5% of adults ages 40-49 have measurable hearing loss.
  • By age 79, nearly 40% of adults experience significant hearing loss.
  • 81.5% of adults 80 and older live with hearing loss.

Since hearing loss is often gradual, many people do not realize their hearing is deteriorating. This slow progression can make it difficult to identify and address hearing issues until they become severe.

Conditions That Increase the Risk of Hearing Loss

Several health conditions contribute to hearing loss by affecting blood circulation, nerve function, and inner ear health. Managing these conditions may help slow or prevent hearing damage.

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1. Cardiovascular Disease

Heart health is closely tied to hearing health. Proper circulation is essential for maintaining healthy inner ear structures. Poor blood flow, often caused by cardiovascular disease, can damage delicate hair cells in the cochlea, leading to permanent hearing loss. Studies have shown that individuals with heart disease are more likely to experience hearing loss.

The Link Between Heart Disease and Hearing Loss

  • The inner ear relies on a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood to function properly.
  • Restricted blood flow can damage the hair cells that help process sound.
  • People with low-frequency hearing loss may have an early warning sign of cardiovascular problems.
  • Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) reduces circulation, affecting both heart function and hearing ability.
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) increases the likelihood of damaging small blood vessels in the inner ear.

Maintaining heart health through exercise, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups can help protect hearing.

Discover even more about heart and hearing health links. 

2. Diabetes

Diabetes affects how the body processes sugar, but it can also impact hearing. High blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels and nerves, including those in the inner ear. Research suggests that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop hearing loss as those without the condition.

Why Diabetes Affects Hearing

  • High glucose levels damage blood vessels in the cochlea, restricting oxygen flow.
  • Diabetes-related nerve damage affects signals sent to the brain, causing auditory processing issues.
  • Chronic inflammation from diabetes leads to oxidative stress, which can deteriorate inner ear cells.
  • Insulin resistance may contribute to nerve dysfunction, reducing the ear’s ability to process sound.
  • Research suggests diabetes-related hearing loss is more common in younger individuals than previously thought.

Find out more about diabetes and hearing loss. 

3. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure affects blood circulation throughout the body, including the inner ear. Damage to the small blood vessels in the cochlea can result in gradual hearing loss.

  • Increased pressure within the blood vessels can damage tiny capillaries in the inner ear.
  • Hearing loss related to high blood pressure often develops slowly over time.
  • Reducing sodium intake and improving diet can help lower blood pressure and protect hearing.

4. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea disrupts breathing patterns during sleep, leading to decreased oxygen levels in the blood. Over time, this can affect circulation and contribute to hearing problems.

  • Oxygen deprivation may weaken cochlear function, leading to hearing loss.
  • People with sleep apnea have a higher risk of developing both low- and high-frequency hearing loss.
  • Poor sleep quality from sleep apnea can increase tinnitus severity in individuals with existing hearing problems.
  • Treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy may reduce the risk of hearing loss progression.

5. Ototoxic Medications

Some medications are harmful to the inner ear and cause hearing damage. These ototoxic drugs include:

  • Certain chemotherapy drugs (e.g., cisplatin, carboplatin) that damage cochlear cells.
  • Some antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides like gentamicin and streptomycin) that can cause permanent hearing damage.
  • High doses of aspirin or NSAIDs that may lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss.
  • Loop diuretics (used for high blood pressure and heart failure) that can cause hearing fluctuations.
  • Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are linked to tinnitus and auditory dysfunction.

If you take these medications regularly, discuss the potential risks with your doctor and schedule hearing evaluations.

Understand more about medications that can lead to hearing loss. 

Conditions That Can Develop Due to Hearing Loss

Untreated hearing loss does not only impact hearing—it can contribute to several serious health conditions, particularly in older adults.

1. Cognitive Decline and Dementia

Hearing loss is strongly linked to cognitive decline. Studies show that individuals with untreated hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

How Hearing Loss Affects the Brain

  • Struggling to hear forces the brain to work harder, reducing cognitive function.
  • Social withdrawal due to hearing loss leads to reduced brain stimulation.
  • Brain scans show that untreated hearing loss causes faster brain shrinkage.
  • The brain areas responsible for hearing are also involved in memory and processing speed.
  • Wearing hearing aids has been shown to slow cognitive decline in older adults.

Explore more about cognitive decline and hearing loss. 

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2. Depression and Anxiety

Hearing loss can lead to frustration, loneliness, and withdrawal from social activities. This isolation increases the risk of depression and anxiety.

3. Social Isolation and Loneliness

Many people with hearing loss avoid social situations due to difficulty communicating. Over time, this withdrawal can lead to loneliness, which increases risks for heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.

4. Increased Risk of Falls

Even mild hearing loss triples the risk of falls. The inner ear plays a crucial role in balance, and hearing impairment reduces spatial awareness.

5. Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)

Tinnitus, a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, often occurs alongside hearing loss. It can disrupt sleep, concentration, and emotional well-being.

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Take Control of Your Hearing Health

Hearing loss does not just affect your ears—it impacts your entire well-being. If you have any of these comorbid conditions or notice changes in your hearing, don’t wait to take action.

Contact American Hearing + Audiology today for a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Our hearing care specialists and audiologists near you are here to help you protect your hearing and overall health.