At the center of everything is our heart, supplying blood throughout our body from our toes to our brain. The heart not only supplies blood throughout the body but when working at its most efficient supplies oxygen and essential nutrients to every cell and organ throughout the body. To ensure opal health for the heart it’s recommended to stay active and eat a balanced diet. However, due in part to a culture in the United States of poor diet, underactivity cardiovascular disease is one of the most common killers in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports that Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing an individual every 36 seconds. As of 2019, an estimated 659,000 people in the US die from heart disease each year— equaling roughly 1 in every 4 deaths. Along with the many risks of heart disease comes an unexpected side effect which, as a hearing healthcare specialist truly causes us alarm—higher rates of hearing loss for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Understanding Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) explains a wider range of conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels. Often associated with a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries (atherosclerosis) and an increased risk of blood clots it is a far-reaching condition affecting every system throughout the body often leading to blockage and subsequent damage to arteries throughout the body including organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes. Unaddressed it can lead to hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and so much more. It’s important to pay attention to the symptoms as this disease is often silent until it strikes. Risk factors include:
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor diet
- Family history of CVD
Hearing Loss and Heart Disease
While we collect sound with our ears, listening occurs in the brain. For sound waves to reach the brain the vibrations must be translated from sound waves into electrical impulses which are sent to the brain via hair-like cells called stereocilia. Stereocilia are incredibly fragile and rely on a healthy supply of oxygenated blood to maintain optimal health. As cardiovascular disease becomes more severe, the risk of hearing loss becomes more acute as it can impede the delivery of oxygenated blood to the stereocilia, causing permanent hearing loss.
Connecting Hearing Loss and Heart Disease
Many are surprised to discover the connection between the two health conditions but being that the heart is an essential organ for our entire body system, it is of little surprise. To understand the connection clearer a Harvard University study cross-referenced a large database of health information and discovered that hearing loss was 54 percent more prevalent in patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Another aspect of cardiovascular disease may be the effects of loud noise over time on the health of the heart. Research from a 2018 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology titled “Environmental Noise and the Cardiovascular System” identified excessive noise exposure over years increases stress levels. While this level of noise may not damage the ears, it can increase stress levels, increase blood pressure, and contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Managing Hearing Loss and Heart Disease
If you are worried about your heart, hearing health and more, a few minor lifestyle changes can go a long way. Vices such as smoking and excessive alcohol use may be the most difficult to quit due to their addictive nature. However, quitting the consumption of certain foods may be equally difficult for those who find solace in sugars, salts and fat which can increase blood pressure, clog arteries, and increase the risk for heart disease. In tandem with regular exercise, we recommend a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins, while avoiding red meat, processed sugars and processed foods whenever possible
Addressing Hearing Loss
If you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s recommended that you address it as soon as possible. Unaddressed it can lead to social issues, affecting your relationships, sociability, chances of getting out, trying new things, and staying active. Take control of your life today. Part of heart health is healthy hearing. Schedule a hearing exam with us today.