Our ears need proper blood flow to function their best. The inner ear is very sensitive to changes in blood flow. When there isn’t enough blood flow to the inner ears, it can cause nerve damage, which impacts the ability to hear. According to ENT today, the nerves in the inner ear are so sensitive that they are often the first to be affected by cardiovascular disease.

A regular hearing exam will let you know if there your ear health!

Contact us today to schedule a hearing evaluation!

Resources for more information: 

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – At-a-Glance (PDF-AHA/ASA)

Heart Disease Facts (CDC Website)

Arteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis (Mayo Clinic Website)

Low-Frequency Hearing Loss May Indicate Cardiovascular Disease (ENT Today Website)

Additional Resources: 

Torre P 3rd, Cruickshanks KJ, Klein BE, Klein R, Nondahl DM. The association between cardiovascular disease and cochlear function in older adults. J Speech Lang Hear Res 2005;48(2):473-481.

Helzner EP, Patel AS, Pratt S, et al. Hearing sensitivity in older adults: associations with cardiovascular risk factors in the health, aging, and body composition study. J Am Geriatr Soc 2011;59(6):972-979.

Nomiya R, Nomiya S, Kariya S, et al. Generalized arteriosclerosis and changes of the cochlea in young adults. Otol Neurotol 2008;29(8):1193-1197.

Hull RH, Kerschen SR. The influence of cardiovascular health on peripheral and central auditory function in adults: a research review. Am J Audiol 2010;19(1):9-16.

Manson J, Alessio HM, Cristell M, Hutchinson KM. Does cardiovascular health mediate hearing ability? Med Sci Sports Exerc 1994;26(7):866-871.

Starkey Blog: February: A time for healthy relationships, a healthy heart — and healthy hearing

Alessio HM, Hutchinson KM, Price AL, Reinart L, Sautman MJ. Study finds higher cardiovascular fitness associated with greater hearing acuity. The Hearing Journal 2002;55(8):32-40.