Your hearing and your heart may be more connected than most people realize. The inner ear depends on a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood to function properly, so conditions that affect circulation can also affect hearing. If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing and you have cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, it’s worth discussing both concerns with your healthcare providers.
Research has shown a relationship between cardiovascular disease and hearing loss. According to the American Academy of Audiology, reduced blood flow associated with cardiovascular disease may damage structures within the auditory system, contributing to hearing loss.1
While hearing loss does not necessarily mean you have heart disease, hearing changes can sometimes be part of a larger health picture that deserves attention.
Understanding The Link Between Hearing And Heart Health
The inner ear contains tiny, delicate structures called cilia that help convert sound into signals your brain can understand. These structures rely on healthy circulation.
When blood vessels narrow or are damaged, blood flow can be reduced throughout the body, including to the ears.
The change can be subtle. You may find yourself turning up the television a little more often. Conversations in busy restaurants become harder to follow. You may assume you’re simply tired or distracted.
That’s not always the case. Sometimes, hearing changes are among several health signals worth paying attention to, especially when combined with heart disease.
How Often Should You Have Heart Health Checkups?
Regular medical checkups are one of the best ways to identify heart-related concerns before they become serious.
The American Heart Association recommends working with your healthcare provider to routinely monitor key risk factors such as:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
- Blood sugar levels
- Weight and lifestyle habits
The right schedule depends on your age, medical history and personal risk factors. According to the AHA, if you’re between 40 and 75 years old and have never had a heart attack, ask to have your risk of a cardiovascular event in the next 10 years assessed. 2
If you live in Los Angeles County or elsewhere in Southern California and have a family history of heart disease, your physician may recommend monitoring.
What Should Your Audiologist Know About Your Heart Health?
Your audiologist benefits from understanding your overall health history, including cardiovascular conditions.
Helpful information to share includes:
- A history of heart disease or stroke
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Medications that affect circulation
- Sudden changes in hearing or balance
This information helps create a more complete picture of what may be contributing to your hearing concerns. It can also guide conversations about when additional medical evaluation may be appropriate.
Can Hearing Loss Be An Early Sign Of Circulation Problems?
Yes. Hearing loss can sometimes occur when blood flow to the inner ear is reduced. While hearing changes alone do not diagnose heart disease, they may warrant a broader health evaluation when combined with other risk factors.
Should I Tell My Audiologist About My Heart Medications?
Yes. Certain medications and cardiovascular conditions can affect hearing, balance or treatment recommendations. Sharing your medical history helps your audiologist better understand your symptoms and coordinate care when needed.
Taking A Whole-Person Approach To Hearing Wellness
Hearing health isn’t separate from the rest of your health. Your ears, brain and cardiovascular system work together every day.
If you’ve noticed hearing changes, ringing in the ears or difficulty understanding conversations, it’s worth investigating the cause rather than assuming it’s simply part of getting older. At The House Institute, the goal is to help you better understand what’s affecting your hearing and determine whether additional medical evaluation may be helpful. Sometimes, hearing concerns are exactly that. Other times, they’re part of a larger conversation about your overall wellness.
Sources
1 American Academy of Audiology. “Heart Disease and Hearing Loss.” https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/hearing-and-balance/heart-disease-and-hearing-loss/
2 American Heart Association. “Understand Your Risks To Prevent A Heart Attack.” https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/understand-your-risks-to-prevent-a-heart-attack