Comorbidity-
hearing loss and chronic diseases
Hearing loss may signal other important health issues, for example:
DIABETES
Up to 30% of adults with diabetes will experience hearing loss. High blood glucose causes tiny blood vessels in the inner ear to break, disrupting sound reception. Learn more about diabetes related hearing loss.
ALZHEIMER’S/ DEMENTIA NEUROLOGY
A study at John Hopkins University reported patients with hearing loss had up to 5X higher risk of dementia than patients with no hearing problems. The use of hearing aids has helped to reduce dementia- related problems.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Hearing loss appeared in almost 80% of people with cardiovascular disease due to inadequate blood supply or trauma to inner ear blood vessels. A stroke can also decrease hearing om the affected side of the brain and have a negative impact both peripheral and central auditory systems.
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
CKD shows a higher prevalence of hearing loss among older adults. The kidney and blood supply in the ear share physiologic, ultra-structural and antigenic similarities.