Our bodies are complex networks; one aspect of our health can affect other parts of our bodies in ways that are sometimes surprising. This is especially noticeable in hearing health. Hearing health can be tied to several seemingly disconnected health issues, including diabetes, arthritis, hypertension and heart disease. As a result, unhealthy habits may affect, among other things, your hearing. Let’s discuss some of those.
Diet
We need a balanced diet to maintain our health, including hearing health. Nutrients that are essential for the auditory system include micronutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B, C, D and E, magnesium, zinc and potassium.
On the other hand, an unhealthy diet can have adverse effects on hearing health. Eating too many refined carbohydrates, fats and cholesterol can impair blood flow to the inner ear, which can damage the delicate cells in the cochlea that enable us to hear.
Exercise
It is well-researched that hearing loss is associated with poorer physical activity. Our hearing health is intimately tied to our cardiovascular health. Since exercise is a direct benefit to our cardiovascular health, it follows that it would strengthen our hearing health, as well. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle with little to no exercise may cause your hearing to weaken or atrophy.
Smoking
Smoking doesn’t just affect your lungs—it can also hurt your hearing. Nicotine and carbon dioxide from cigarette smoke affect blood pressure and restrict blood flow, which, as discussed above, can cause damage to the cells of the inner ear.
Vaping, too, has similar adverse effects. In addition to the presence of nicotine, the e-juice, which gives a vape its flavor, has had very little governmental oversight until recently, so it’s challenging to know what chemicals are in it and what their effects are. It is known to contain propylene glycol, a chemical that is damaging to the inner ear.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can be alright in moderation, but excessive amounts can heavily damage the brain, particularly the central auditory cortex, the part of your brain that processes auditory signals. This can lead to slower sound processing, making it difficult to distinguish voices, especially in noisy environments such as restaurants or gatherings. Incidentally, alcohol consumption is commonly linked to those kinds of environments—bars and clubs, for example—combining the effects of alcohol with loud noise.
When To Seek a Hearing Health Specialist
This information is not meant to intimidate you. We hope that knowing the ripple effects of bad habits empowers you to make healthy choices for your overall health and well-being, which includes your hearing health.
If you have noticed changes in your hearing, don’t delay seeking help. Contact our audiology team at Carolina Ear Nose & Throat – Sinus and Allergy Center for a hearing test and begin a hearing wellness journey.