Effects of Hearing Loss on Physical Health

One of the most obvious effects of hearing loss is the inability to communicate effectively with others and enjoy typical sounds of everyday life, like birds singing and children laughing. But did you know that any type of hearing loss — from mild to severe — can have an impact on your physical health, too?

How does hearing loss affect the body?

Existing hearing loss — including hearing loss that’s undiagnosed and untreated — can lead to a variety of serious health issues. In addition, certain medical conditions and medications can increase your risk of developing hearing loss. Here’s what you need to know about the connection between hearing loss and your health.

Health complications of hearing loss

1. Hearing loss can result in social isolation, leading to increased depression.
2. Hearing loss can negatively impact brain health. Our brains constantly process and filter sounds and sensory changes. Hearing loss and lack of sound stimulus stresses the brain and increases the risk of cognitive decline. In fact, studies show that seniors suffering from hearing loss have a 40% higher instance of memory loss and cognitive decline.¹
3. When people can’t hear certain sounds, their personal safety is at risk, increasing the chances of tripping, falling and other accidents.
4. Hearing loss in children and infants, whether it’s congenital or due to an illness, can delay their language development and social skills.

Medications, medical conditions and diseases that can cause hearing loss

1. Research has shown that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop hearing loss.² Similar to the effects of high blood pressure, hearing loss complications of diabetes can result from reduced blood flow, which can damage the cells of the inner ear.
2. Heart disease may be linked to hearing loss. Like the effects from diabetes, when there is not enough blood flow to the heart, poor circulation to the blood vessels in the inner ear can lead to hearing loss.
3. Infections caused by colds and other viruses, swimmer’s ear and improper drainage can cause temporary hearing loss.
4. Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can lead to dizzy spells (also known as vertigo) and hearing loss. In most cases, Meniere's disease affects only one ear. Symptoms of Meniere's disease may result from an abnormal amount of fluid in the inner ear, a virus, or genetics.
5. Some over-the-counter and prescription medications are linked to hearing loss. Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs and even pain relievers and diuretics can lead to temporary or long-term hearing loss. Make sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor who may be able to prescribe an alternate medication to reduce your risk of drug-induced hearing loss.

How to improve hearing health for better overall health

Follow these healthy habits to help protect your hearing and promote better physical and mental health.

• Reduce exposure to loud noises
• Wear earplugs in noisy environments
• Maintain a stable weight and blood pressure
• Embrace healthy lifestyle habits like exercising and following a healthy diet
• Avoid unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

If you’re concerned about the link between hearing loss and your physical health, be sure to talk to your doctor about your health history and any medications you’re taking. Remember that the CareCredit credit card is an easy way to pay for hearing tests and exams, hearing loss treatments, products and more.* Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find an audiologist near you who accepts the CareCredit credit card.