10 Things to Know About Hearing Loss and Your Health
- Hearing Loss is tied to depression – hearing loss has been associated with increased risk of depression in adults of all ages.
- Hearing Loss and dementia are linked – a Johns Hopkins study of older adults found that hearing loss actually accelerates brain function decline. Some experts believe that hearing aids may delay or even prevent dementia.
- Hearing Loss is more common in people with diabetes – studies show that people with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss.
- Hearing health and heart health are linked – some experts say the inner ear is so sensitive to blood flow that abnormalities in the cardio vascular system could be noted earlier and any other sensitive parts of the body.
- Fitness may help your hearing – higher levels of physical activity have been associated with lower risk of hearing loss.
- Hearing loss may put you at risk of falling – Studies show that people (age 40-69) with even mild hearing loss are more likely to have a history of falling.
- Hospitalization may be more likely for those with hearing loss.
- The risk of dying may be higher for older men with hearing loss – men with hearing loss were found to have an increased risk of mortality, but hearing aids made a difference.
- Common pain relievers may cause hearing loss – regular use of aspirin, NSAIDs or acetaminophen has been associated with the increased risk of hearing loss.
- Kidney disease is linked to hearing loss – research has shown moderate chronic kidney disease to be associated with an increased risk of hearing loss.
The above is based on materials by Better Hearing Institute. Note: materials may be edited for content and length.