Chronic Diseases That Affect Hearing Loss

You don’t have to be 80 years old or a longtime fan of arena rock to experience hearing loss. While it’s true that life events and cumulative exposure to loud noise can damage hearing, hearing loss can also co-exist with other problems. Research shows that there may be a link between hearing loss and conditions like diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, and even depression. When the hearing loss accompanies a chronic condition, symptoms are often worse and even more debilitating. Here are some examples of common chronic conditions and their relationship with hearing loss:

• Cardiovascular disease. Since cardiovascular health affects the peripheral and central auditory system, patients may suffer hearing loss.
• Depression. It has been documented that working adults (ages 35-55) who have mild-to-moderate hearing loss report experiencing high levels of depression and decreased levels of social interaction.
• Diabetes. Hearing loss is twice as common in adults diagnosed with diabetes compared with their healthy counterparts.
• Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Adults with Alzheimer’s tend to have significantly greater hearing loss than their peers without the disease. Furthermore, adults with hearing loss are more likely develop Dementia.

Research shows that if you wear professionally fitted hearing aids, the quality of your life can improve dramatically. People with hearing aids also report decreased depression, better job performance, increased communication and greater ease in participating in everyday activities. If you suspect that you or a loved one suffers from hearing loss and could benefit from professionally fitted hearing aids or other assistive devices, schedule a consultation with us today. We’re conveniently located in the Rochester, New York area and look forward to helping you find an individualized solution to best fit your needs.