Life Sounds Great: Is there a connection between hearing loss and heart disease?

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Is there a connection between hearing loss and heart disease?

Yes, the Better Hearing Institute reported that recent research confirms, there is a link between hearing and cardiovascular health. There is connection between sensory hearing loss and heart disease. Dr. Friedland of the Medical College of Wisconsin is one of the researchers whose findings most recently support this connection. His studies suggest hearing loss may be an early indicator of heart disease.

Dr. Friedland also suggests tracking hearing ability over time could potentially be a screening measure for cardiovascular disease. He stated, “The inner ear is so sensitive to blood flow and it is possible that abnormalities in the cardiovascular system could be noted here (in the ear) earlier than in other less sensitive parts of the body.”

The Better Hearing Institute also reports that tracking hearing over time may help monitor heart health. Studies suggest that decreased low-frequency hearing, may be a particularly sensitive indicator of heart disease.

Here are four heart-healthy reason to have a hearing evaluation:

Six decades of research points to the heart/hearing health link
The ear may be a window to the heart
The same lifestyle behaviors that affect the heart impact hearing
Addressing decreased hearing ability improves quality of life and helps reduce stress

If you have heart disease or if it runs in your family, you may want to have regular hearing checks. Call to schedule an audiologic assessment to establish a baseline for your hearing.

Life sounds great! Enjoy every moment!