Honey, Are You Listening to Me?
It may seem like your husband at times has selective hearing, but, according to
research, the number of U.S. adults living with hearing loss has doubled since
the 1980s.1 The statistics are even more sobering for men for whom
hearing loss may be more common and severe than in women. A likely reason? Men
are more likely to be exposed to sustained loud noises than women.2
Too much noise!
A recent report predicted that the number of U.S. adults with hearing loss will
rise to nearly a quarter of the population in the next 40 years.1
From concerts to subways, traffic, even kids’ toys, the world has just gotten
loud.
Hearing loss may foretell other issues
Research has shown that there may be links between hearing loss and other health
issues.3
-
Sleep apnea. The serious sleep disorder is strongly linked
to hearing loss at both high and low frequencies.
-
Cardiovascular disease. The inner ear is so sensitive to
blood flow that blood vessel blockages might show up here first.
-
Diabetes. Hearing loss is twice as common in people with
diabetes.
-
Dementia. Research also shows a link between hearing loss
and dementia.
-
Depression. Use of hearing aids has been shown to reduce
the symptoms of depression in patients with hearing loss.3
Protect your hearing before it’s too late
Protect your hearing before permanent or significant damage is done:
-
Reduce your exposure. Even the simple foam plugs you can
buy in our store can help protect your ears in noisy situations.
-
Use caution with painkillers. A study of men found that
taking NSAIDs such as aspirin or acetaminophen as little as two times a week
significantly increased the risk of hearing loss. These drugs may do this by
reducing blood flow to the inner ear.4 If you frequently use
NSAIDs and are concerned about the potential impact on your hearing, talk to
your Health Mart pharmacist.
-
Check your iron. Iron helps carry blood to the inner ear,
and low levels have been linked to hearing problems.1
-
Turn down the volume. We know that it’s tempting to put on
the headphones, turn up the volume and tune out the noise around you, but
doing so can cause permanent damage.
If you have a loved one who seems to miss what you say, encourage them to seek
medical attention. Prevention and treatment could be the key to a lifetime of
good hearing.
Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a
substitute for professional advice. You should always seek the advice of
your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or
concerns about a medical condition.
Health Mart. Caring for you and about you.
Resources
Posted on Thu, June 1, 2017
by Health Mart