INDUSTRY INSIGHT
C
YOUR HEARING
SPONSORED CONTENT
SMOKING AND HEARING LOSS
MAY GO HAND IN HAND
an smoking cause hearing loss? Growing research seems to
point in that direction, but scientists sought a more definitive
answer in a review of 15 observational studies that investigated
hearing loss among smokers. The conclusion: Evidence suggests that
even without exposure to occupational noise, people who smoke are
at greater risk for hearing loss than nonsmokers. Smoking cessation,
however, could help keep hearing sharp.
About 360 million adults and children worldwide have a hearing
disability, according to the World Health Organization, with
approximately a third of older adults experiencing disabling hearing
loss. Causal factors can be genetic, environmental, epidemiological,
lifestyle related or age related, but many people with hearing loss
benefit from treatment such as hearing aids. Past studies of potential
links between smoking and hearing loss have produced inconsistent
results — with some showing a connection and others not. Further,
noise exposure could potentially mask smoking’s role in hearing loss.
In this study, “Effect of Smoking on Hearing Loss: Quality Assessment
and Meta-Analysis,” researchers looked to assess the connection in
a population not exposed to occupational noise. They reviewed 15
original, relevant observational studies published between January
1996 and December 2003 that met the following criteria:
• Identified hearing loss by pure-tone average
• Investigated hearing loss risk for smokers
Prior studies with factors such as children younger than 15,
populations with occupational noise exposure, specific hypotheses
related to hearing loss and increased smoking rate, sudden deafness
as an outcome, and other selected characteristics were excluded.
The selected studies were independently reviewed and scored for
methodological quality using a standardized checklist. They were
then qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed after being divided
between (1) those reporting a positive link between smoking and
hearing loss and (2) those reporting a statistically insignificant
association. The results pointed to smoking as “a significant risk
factor for hearing loss in both current and past smokers, exclusive of
cohort studies in past smokers.” Even accounting for study limitations,
the data showed a positive association between hearing loss and
smoking that might be ameliorated by cessation strategies. It’s
unclear how smoking negatively affects hearing health. Theories have
included the possibility that nicotine causes cochlea anemia through
vasoconstriction. This study, however, helps further identify smoking
as an important risk factor in assessing patients’ hearing health. For
optimal hearing health, collaborate with your local hearing care
professional in effectively diagnosing and treating hearing difficulties.
Nicole Wasel, Au.D., CCC-A
Dr. Wasel is committed to providing patient education,
counseling and hearing solutions to patients of all ages
and abilities. She works at Washington Ear, Nose and
Throat located at 80 Landings Dr., Suite 207, Washington,
PA 15301. Dr. Wasel is a member of the American Speech,
Language and Hearing Association and also serves as a field
instructor for West Virginia University.
Please feel free to contact Dr. Wasel at 724.225.8995 with
any questions or to schedule an appointment.
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