Hearing loss is often thought of as an inconvenience, making it difficult to follow conversations or hear the television. But did you know that hearing loss can also have a significant impact on your physical well-being? From balance problems to cognitive decline, this article explores the ways hearing loss can affect your physical health.
The Link Between Hearing Loss and Physical Health
Hearing loss affects around 48 million people1 in the United States alone. These statistics are made even more alarming by new research that shows a direct connection between hearing loss and poorer physical health, especially in older adults2.
Below, we look at how untreated hearing loss can impact physical health and daily quality of life.
Issues with Balance, Dizziness, and Vertigo
Our inner ear is not only responsible for hearing but is also an important component of balance. We rely on sounds in our environment, like traffic noise or footsteps, to help us stay oriented and aware of our surroundings. Without these auditory cues, the brain’s ability to process spatial information is diminished, leading to instability and issues maintaining equilibrium.
Additionally, the inner ear houses the auditory system, responsible for hearing, and the vestibular system, which helps us maintain balance. Damage to the inner ear can affect both these systems, resulting in hearing loss and balance issues like dizziness, vertigo, and even nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can make it incredibly challenging to go about daily life, as physical activity can worsen the effects.
Increased Risk of Falls
Similarly, hearing loss is also associated with an increased risk of falls, especially among older adults. In fact, research shows that even mild degrees of hearing loss can triple the risk of falls3. As we covered above, damage to the inner ear can significantly impact special awareness and balance, both of which elevate the risk of falling. However, the impact doesn’t stop there.
Hearing loss also puts extra strain on the brain. As the brain expends more energy trying to process sound, it diverts cognitive resources away from other functions like maintaining balance4. This can significantly contribute to instability and a higher risk of falls.
Tinnitus
A common condition associated with hearing loss is tinnitus, which is a ringing, buzzing, or humming in one or both ears. Some people also experience an uncomfortable feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears.
The persistent ringing or buzzing sounds can also be distracting and frustrating to experience regularly. For many people tinnitus can make it challenging to fall asleep, stay focused, or fully engage in conversations, greatly impacting quality of life.
Brain Atrophy
A growing body of research has found a direct link between hearing loss and brain atrophy (shrinkage), particularly in the temporal lobe4. The temporal lobe is responsible for many cognitive functions including memory and critical thinking.
Just like any muscle in the body needs exercise, our brains need stimulation to function correctly. When hearing loss goes untreated, the brain is deprived of the sound stimulation it needs to stay healthy. Over time, this lack of auditory stimulation can lead to brain tissue shrinkage.
As we discussed earlier, hearing loss also forces the brain to work harder to process sounds. This constant effort can take a toll on cognitive resources. Studies suggest this cognitive strain also contributes to accelerated brain tissue shrinkage4.
Increased Risk of Dementia
As mentioned above, hearing loss can lead to brain tissue atrophy (shrinkage) in the temporal lobe. This shrinkage is one of the leading explanations linking hearing loss and dementia4. Research shows that even mild degrees of hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia, moderate hearing loss triples the risk, and severe hearing loss increases the likelihood of dementia by five times5.
In addition to memory loss, late-stage dementia can also have a significant impact on physical health6:
- Mobility problems
- Loss of the ability to speak
- Bladder incontinence
- Bowel incontinence
- Weight loss
- Trouble swallowing
- And more
Decreased Physical Activity
A 2021 study found a link between hearing loss and a more sedentary lifestyle due to a couple of factors7. First, difficulty in hearing what is going on around you can make it challenging to exercise effectively or engage in certain physical activities. Additionally, hearing loss often causes mental fatigue, communication issues, and social withdrawal, all of which can also discourage regular physical activity.
A sedentary lifestyle can set off a domino effect of negative physical health concerns8. From maintaining blood sugar and cholesterol levels to supporting healthy blood pressure and circulation, exercise is essential for our overall well-being. Decreased physical activity also increases the risk of developing chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and more.
Safeguard Your Health – Schedule a Hearing Exam at an Audibel Clinic Near You
Hearing loss affects so much more than your auditory senses; it can impact your physical health, too. From balance issues to an increased risk of falls and even heart disease, the physical effects of hearing loss are incredibly far-reaching.
By investing in your hearing health, you’re investing in your overall well-being. Find an Audibel clinic near you today to take the first step toward safeguarding your health and quality of life for years to come.
References
- Hearing loss is more common than diabetes. Why aren’t we addressing it? (2024, February 22). NCOA Adviser. https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/hearing-loss-america/?_gl=1*4kghgx*_gcl_au*MTc4ODIzODM2Ny4xNzIwNTUyNjA0
- Martinez-Amezcua, P., Powell, D., Kuo, P., Reed, N. S., Sullivan, K. J., Palta, P., Szklo, M., Sharrett, R., Schrack, J. A., Lin, F. R., & Deal, J. A. (2021). Association of Age-Related Hearing impairment with Physical Functioning among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in the US. JAMA Network Open, 4(6), e2113742. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.13742
- Lin, F. R., & Ferrucci, L. (2012). Hearing loss and falls among older adults in the United States. Archives of internal medicine, 172(4), 369–371. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2011.728
- Armstrong, N. M., An, Y., Doshi, J., Erus, G., Ferrucci, L., Davatzikos, C., Deal, J. A., Lin, F. R., & Resnick, S. M. (2019). Association of midlife hearing impairment with Late-Life Temporal lobe volume Loss. JAMA Otolaryngology– Head & Neck Surgery, 145(9), 794. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2019.1610
- Huang, A. R., Jiang, K., Lin, F. R., Deal, J. A., & Reed, N. S. (2023). Hearing loss and dementia prevalence in older adults in the US. JAMA, 329(2), 171. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.20954
- Website, N. (2023, August 18). Symptoms of dementia. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/symptoms/
- Kuo, P. L., Di, J., Ferrucci, L., & Lin, F. R. (2021). Analysis of Hearing Loss and Physical Activity Among US Adults Aged 60-69 Years. JAMA network open, 4(4), e215484. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.5484
- Park, J. H., Moon, J. H., Kim, H. J., Kong, M. H., & Oh, Y. H. (2020). Sedentary Lifestyle: Overview of Updated Evidence of Potential Health Risks. Korean journal of family medicine, 41(6), 365–373. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.20.0165
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