There is some fascinating research lately linking hearing loss with overall health and other medical issues. For example, did you know that hearing loss can increase your risk of dementia? (Luckily, using hearing aids reverses that, because it has more to do with less brain stimulation than the hearing loss itself). Or that some over-the-counter pain medications can exacerbate hearing loss? (Not to worry–the effects are often reversed when the medications are stopped).
Another interesting development in health and hearing loss is a connection between hearing loss and heart health. Sound crazy?
Charles E. Bishop, AuD, Assistant Professor in the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, has found the ear may be a window to the heart:
“Hearing health should not be assessed in a vacuum,” says Bishop. “There is simply too much evidence that hearing loss is related to cardiovascular disease and other health conditions. It’s time we maximized the information we have in order to benefit the individual’s overall wellbeing.”
When cardiovascular health is good, your whole body has adequate blood flow–including your ears. Inadequate blood circulation can contribute to hearing loss.
Furthermore, hearing loss can decrease quality of life overall, but having your hearing checked and getting proper hearing aids has been found to increase quality of life: from job performance to relationships and other social interactions.
Fortunately, the newest technology in hearing aids is so unobtrusive they’re hardly noticeable–to you or to anyone else. All you’ll know is that you’re hearing better than ever! And they’re able to connect to your smartphone for even better control and convenience.
What You Can Do To Improve Heart (and Hearing) Health
We’ve all heard how important heart health is, and now you’ve got just one more reason to pay attention to all of that advice.
- Exercise is a great way to improve cardiovascular health and increase overall blood circulation. So get outside and take a walk or dust off that gym membership.
- Another way to improve cardiovascular health is to cut down on processed foods. Foods in boxes, cans and packages are nutritionally inferior to fresh, whole foods found in nature. So just eat “real food” whenever possible!
- Any doctor will tell you that the bigger your waistline, the more risk there is to your health: cardiovascular, hearing and otherwise. So focus on shedding those pounds with an improved diet and increased exercise.
- A daily walk around the neighborhood can do wonders for your health–so grab a friend and get moving! Maybe do a few laps around your local farmer’s market and get the week’s groceries while you’re at it!
If you would like to learn more about how the newest audiological technology can help you improve your overall quality of life, call us today or set up an appointment online. We would love to give you a FREE hearing screening and discuss if one of our newest hearing aids or TV listening systems is right for you.
We’ve served San Jose and the Bay Area for over 40 years, providing the right solution for Your Life. Your Style.
Los Gatos Audiology 15899 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd., Suite 8 Los Gatos, CA 95032
For an appointment please call (408) 354-1312 or visit www.losgatosaudiology.com.