4 Common Diseases That May Trigger Hearing Loss
Posted on: 12 January 2018
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Being exposed to loud and constant noise is a well-known case of hearing impairment, but it is not the only one. For example, there are some common diseases that do not affect the ear directly, but they can end up impairing your hearing. Here are some of those diseases:
STIs
There are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that have been linked to hearing loss. A good example is untreated syphilis, both congenital and acquired. The damage can occur to both years at the same time, one ear or one ear after the other. In some cases, the damage appears without warning. Since syphilis is a multi-organ infection, it may affect the auditory nerve cells (and other parts of the ear), which is one way it may cause hearing loss. In most cases, the damage can be reversed if treatment is commenced as soon as the symptoms are noticed.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a dental condition characterized by constant teeth grinding and clenching. Bruxism can be caused by different things such as irregular dental bite, stress, and anxiety, among others. The connection to hearing damage can be explained by the fact that the vibrations emanating from teeth grinding can travel and cause damage to the muscle and nerve cells of the inner ear.
Heart Diseases
Researchers have also unearthed a connection between heart diseases and hearing loss. The exact cause of the link has not been unearthed, but researchers believe that it is there because the sensitive cells of the ear need proper blood circulation to thrive. Since heart diseases interfere with blood circulation, they also affect the efficiency of the auditory cells. Whatever the connection between the two health issues, you should be concerned about your heart health if you are developing hearing loss, and vice versa.
Diabetes
Lastly, diabetes has also been linked to hearing loss; having diabetes doubles your risk of developing hearing loss. This is particularly dangerous given that diabetes is one of the most widespread diseases in the U.S. Again, the exact nature of the link has not been established, but there are several viable theories. For example, it's possible that the high sugar levels that characterize diabetes infection damage the delicate blood vessels in the inner ear, leading to hearing impairment.
That is why it's always advisable to see a doctor for any ailment you may have; even if it seems minor, it may have repercussions on other parts of the body. If you have already developed hearing impairment because some forms of impairment can be reversed or managed. For example, you may be advised to get hearing aids to help you live a full life despite your hearing impairment.
To learn more about protecting your hearing, or what to do if you're losing your hearing, contact services like County Hearing And Balance.