Gen Xers and baby boomers should no longer ignore their hearing loss because of the link between cardiovascular and hearing health. A growing body of research shows that a person’s hearing health and cardiovascular health frequently correspond.
Charles E. Bishop, AuD, Assistant Professor in the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences—finds the evidence showing a link between cardiovascular and hearing health so compelling that they say “the ear may be a window to the heart.” “Hearing health should not be assessed in a vacuum,” says Bishop.
Why the Heart-Hearing Connection?
Studies have shown that a healthy cardiovascular system—a person’s heart, arteries, and veins—has a positive effect on hearing. Conversely, inadequate blood flow and trauma to the blood vessels of the inner ear can contribute to hearing loss.
David R. Friedland, MD, PhD, Professor and Vice-Chair of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, has been studying the relationship between cardiovascular and hearing health for years. He offers up this response: “The inner ear is so sensitive to blood flow that it is possible that abnormalities in the cardiovascular system could be noted here earlier than in other less sensitive parts of the body.”
In one study, published in The Laryngoscope, Dr. Friedland and fellow researchers found that audiogram patterns correlate strongly with cerebrovascular and peripheral arterial disease and may represent a screening test for those at risk. They even concluded that patients with low-frequency hearing loss should be regarded as at risk for cardiovascular events, and appropriate referrals should be considered.
Recently an audiology colleague in another state posted this to his Facebook page:
"I am in the process of purchasing the second vehicle I have ever bought at a dealership. In both 1994 and 2013 the person selling me the car said that they used to sell hearing aids! No wonder people are apprehensive about hearing aids!! Please people, don't try to get help for your hearing from somebody who is going to be selling cars in a year." Continue reading for information about Audiologist credentials vs. Hearing Aid Specialist credentials.
Hearing aids today are dramatically more advanced than the hearing aids of even just a few years ago. Many of today’s hearing aids allow users to hear from all directions, in all sorts of sound environments, and even underwater. They are digital, wireless, can connect directly to your smartphone or television, and can be as discreet as you like.
During National Employee Wellness Month, let’s support the millions of people in America’s labor force with hearing loss.
Addressing hearing loss on the job should be a workplace priority. In today’s service and knowledge-based economy, good communication is critical to business success for both the employer and the employee. Nearly 40 million Americans suffer from hearing loss. THE MAJORITY OF THEM ARE IN THE WORKFORCE. “Listen Hear!” survey reports that more than 10% of full-time employees have a diagnosed hearing problem. Another 30% suspect they have a problem but have not sought treatment.
Another study shows that people with untreated hearing loss lose as much as $30,000 in annual income, depending on their degree of hearing loss. Unaddressed hearing loss can unnecessarily affect productivity, job performance, and earnings; lead to fatigue and distress; restrict interpersonal interactions; make it difficult to receive and interpret auditory information from computers, machines, and individuals; pose a risk to one’s ability to hear sounds that signal hazards in the workplace; increase sick leave; and diminish overall quality of life.
Everyone wants to celebrate our country’s heritage with an exciting fireworks display. However, close proximity to fireworks can cause permanent damage to hearing, especially in children.
A good rule of thumb is if you have to yell for the person 2 feet away to hear you, the noise is too loud. Make sure you wear ear protection at all fireworks.
STOP BY OUR DANVILLE OR LYNCHBURG OFFICE, AND WE WILL GLADLY GIVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOAM EARPLUGS TO WEAR TO YOUR JULY 4TH CELEBRATION.