Science continues to evolve and it seems as if we are uncovering new and amazing mysteries all the time. It wasn’t until recently that scientists discovered a link between hearing loss and cardiovascular disease. The two might seem completely unrelated at first glance, but consider this; our inner ear is tiny but a very complex and delicate system, and even small changes throughout our body can have an effect on it.
The Link Between Cardiovascular Disease and Hearing Loss
If our heart is not 
pumping correctly, it can restrict blood flow in the inner ear and cause permanent damage. Conditions such as blocked arteries, defective valves, abnormal beating or any other cardio malfunction can affect blood flow.
Our inner ear is exceptionally sensitive to blood flow. A person with great cardiovascular health usually exhibits great hearing . Conversely, a person with poor cardiovascular health or one who has experienced trauma to the blood vessels in the inner ear exhibits signs of hearing impairment. This seems to be especially true for low-frequency hearing loss. Researchers have even hypothesized that this type of hearing loss is a precursor or indication of a heart condition.
The delicate hair cells located within the cochlea play an important role in transferring outside noise to the brain. The electrical impulses they send allows the brain to interpret them into recognizable sound. These hair cells rely on good blood circulation to carry out their job. When an individual has cardiovascular disease, the resulting poor circulation robs these hair cells of adequate oxygen, causing damage or destruction. Because these hair cells do not regenerate, it results in permanent hearing loss.
How to Help Prevent Hearing Loss
Another fascinating discovery is the effect that cardiovascular exercise can have on hearing loss. Researchers conducted a study with older adults and discovered that those who participated in some sort of cardiovascular exercise at least once a week had a 32 percent reduction in the risk of hearing loss when compared to sedentary individuals. This same study also concluded that hearing impairment occurred 54 percent more in those who had a history of cardiovascular disease as compared to the general population.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. It currently kills nearly 610,000 people every year in the United States. If you have heart issues, along with visiting your cardiologist, you might want to visit your audiologist as well.
You can start by taking our online hearing assessment. The sooner you begin treatment, the better the outcome. It’s also important to note that if you are experiencing hearing issues, you should have your heart checked out also. It could be an indication of a much bigger issue
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Source: Hear Well-Live Well Blog
