Dallas County Living Well Magazine Winter 2014 | Page 20

THE EAR BONE’S CONNECTED TO THE...?

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By | Elizabeth Brassine, Au.D.

o 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, the
Better Hearing Institute suggests
your heart and hearing may have
more in common than you realize,
which is why they are raising
awareness about 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. 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. The
study also found that a pattern of
hearing loss correlates strongly with
cerebrovascular and peripheral

arterial disease and may serve as
an initial screening test for those at
risk.

Five Heart-Healthy Reasons
to Get a Hearing Test

1. Six decades of research points
to heart-hearing health link. A
comparative review of more
than 60 years of research found a
correlation between cardiovascular
and hearing health.
2. The ear may be a window to
the heart. Some experts find that
evidence that shows a link between
cardiovascular and hearing health
is so compelling that they consider
the ear to be a window to the heart.
They
encourage
collaboration
between hearing care providers
and cardiologists.
3. The same lifestyle behaviors that
affect the heart impact hearing.
One study found that increased
physical activity is associated
with a lower risk of hearing loss in
women. A second study revealed
that smokers and passive smokers
are more likely to suffer hearing loss;
and a third study found that regular

fish consumption and an increased
intake of omega-3 are associated
with a lower risk of hearing loss for
women.
4. Addressing hearing loss improves
quality of life. 8 out of 10 hearing aid
users say they are satisfied with the
changes that have occurred in their
lives due to their hearing aids. Many
say that they see improvements
in their overall quality of life and
interpersonal relationships, and that
they experience reduced anger
and frustration, and enhanced
emotional stability.
5. Today’s hearing aids are better
than ever and virtually invisible.
State-of-the-art, sleek, and virtually
invisible… today’s hearing aids
combine technology and style with
durability and ease-of-use. They’re
a high-tech tool to help people stay
socially, physically, and cognitively
active. With such a wide array
of options, there’s an attractive
solution for just about anyone.
Elizabeth Brassine is a Doctor
of Audiology and the owner
of Hearing Services of McKinney.

HEARING SERVICES
Better Hearing Keeps You Connected!

of McKinney

• Staffed by 3 Licensed, Doctors of Audiology
• Hearing Aid Fittings, Maintenance and Repairs
• Invisible Fittings/Open Fittings
• Evaluation Period On All Hearing Aids
• Hearing Evaluations For All Ages
• Wireless/Connectivity Hearing Solutions
• Battery Purchase Programs
“After 10 years of training hearing
• Custom Ear Protection
professionals, I decided to come home
• Assistive Devices
to McKinney to do what I love
most-helping the hearing impaired”.
• 25 Years of Experience
Financing
Options
Available

Mon-Fri: 8:30am- 5:00pm
Other times available by appt.

Liz Brassine, Au.D.

972.838.1300
www.hearinmckinney.com
4201 Medical Center Dr, Suite 270
Across from Medical Center of McKinney

LIZ BRASSINE, Au.D.
DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY