The Ear Bone ’ s Connected to the ?
Do you remember the song called “ Dem Bones ” from childhood ?
We often think of the ear as being unrelated to the rest of the body . However , your heart and hearing may have more in common than you realize says the Better Hearing Institute , which is raising awareness of the link between hearing loss and cardiovascular disease . A growing body of research shows that a person ’ s hearing health and cardiovascular health frequently correspond .
Studies show that a healthy cardiovascular system has a positive effect on hearing . Simply put , it ’ s all about blood flow . Conversely , inadequate blood flow and trauma to the blood vessels of the inner ear can contribute to hearing loss . 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 parts of the body .
It was also found that the pattern of the hearing loss correlates strongly with cerebrovascular and peripheral arterial disease and may represent a screening test for those at risk . The inner ear is extremely sensitive to blood flow , which can also cause irreversible damage to the ear .
Five Heart-Healthy Reasons to Get a Hearing Test
Six decades of research point to heart-hearing health link . A comparative review of more than 60 years of research found a correlation between cardiovascular and hearing health .
The ear may be a window to the heart . Some experts find the evidence showing a link between cardiovascular and hearing health so compelling that they say the ear may be a window to the heart . They encourage collaboration between hearing care providers and cardiologists .
Courtesy HEARING SERVICES OF McKINNEY
The same lifestyle behaviors that affect the heart impact hearing . One study found that increased physical activity is associated with lower risk of hearing loss in women . Another revealed that smokers and passive smokers are more likely to suffer hearing loss . And a third found that regular fish consumption and higher intake of omega-3 are associated with lower risk of hearing loss in women .
Addressing hearing loss improves quality of life . Eight out of 10 hearing aid users say they ’ re satisfied with the changes that have occurred in their lives due to their hearing aids . Untreated hearing loss can often lead to social isolation and depression . However , when appropriately fit with hearing aids , many say they see improvements in their life overall , in interpersonal relationships , and that they experience reduced anger and frustration , and enhanced emotional stability .
Today ’ s hearing aids are better than ever and virtually invisible . Stateof-the-art , sleek , and virtually invisible , today ’ s hearing aids combine technology and style with durability and ease-of-use . They ’ re a hightech tool to help people stay socially , physically , and cognitively active . The options are so varied that there ’ s an attractive solution for just about anyone . Today ’ s technology is wireless , which can allow patients to connect to their smart phone and use an application , if wanted , to control and adjust their hearing aids , stream phone calls and stream other audio such as music or Face Timing their grandkids . There are also hearing devices today that can alert loved ones to a patient falling , etc .
So , when thinking about your heart health and health in general , take the time to schedule a hearing test with an Audiologist . And when getting your hearing tested , make sure to let the Audiologist know of any cardiovascular disease .
DALLAS COUNTY • 17