In the early 1900s, an unusual safety practice developed amongst miners. Coal miners worked in constant danger of exposure to toxic, undetectable gas being accidentally released in the mining process. Gas exposure could be deadly so miners developed a safety system to warn them when gas was present: a living, caged canary was brought into the mine with them. The song bird was very sensitive to the presence of gas and would die in the presence of the deadly vapors. The death of the canary alerted miners to the hazard with enough time that the mine could be safely evacuated.
What does this have to do with your health? Scientists and doctors are starting to connect hearing health with heart health. Our ability to hear may be a “canary” part of our overall health that is extra-sensitive to issues that involve our heart, and acting as an alert that cardiac issues may be present.
An Undeniable Connection
Researchers have long seen a connection between heart health and hearing health. Recent studies have shown that patients with cardiovascular diseases are over 50% more likely to have hearing loss than their heart-healthy peers. With such an increased likelihood of hearing loss, science went looking for the reason why such a correlation exists.
The answer lies in how delicate our auditory system is: our hearing is dependent on tiny hair cells to detect the presence of sound waves and convey sound signals to the brain. These fragile nerve cells are irreplaceable – if one is damaged, it cannot be repaired or replaced, which leaves a permanent mark on our hearing ability.
The small mechanisms of the inner ear can be damaged by many things. Overly loud noises can permanently affect their operation. Additionally, they rely on good health and circulation to function. When there are issues with circulation and blood delivery, hair cells can be strangled, causing permanent hearing damage.
A Heart Health Indicator
Issues that develop within the inner ear may be among the first signs of heart disease, an indicator that something is awry with circulation and blood delivery. However, many people ignore changes to their hearing, viewing it as disconnected to their overall health. The actuality of the situation is that taking hearing problems seriously has the potential to alert us of larger health problems.
With this in mind, hearing loss, when detected early, may provide some warning about cardiovascular issues. Similarly, people dealing with cardiovascular health issues can also be more aware about risks to their hearing. If you’ve received a recent diagnosis, talk to your doctor or hearing specialist about your risk for related conditions.
An annual hearing exam is a great way to establish your health history for your hearing. The early warning it can give you about hearing issues can also be a clue to other health factors. Alongside an annual physical, annual hearing exams help you get a comprehensive look at changes to your health.
Heart Health is Critical
Cardiovascular health problems are the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for nearly a third of all deaths each year. Death from heart disease is more prevalent than cancer-related death, and far surpasses other leading causes of death such as accidents and lower respiratory disease.
Awareness can help us confront heart disease as a national health emergency. Early detection as well as changes in diet and exercise habits can all improve the functioning of the heart and the circulatory system. Heart health depends on a variety of factors, so talking to your doctor about heart health is a great first step towards making a cardiovascular health plan.
Considering your heart’s health can have a beneficial effect on your whole body. Quitting smoking, cutting down on cholesterol, and getting a full night’s sleep reduce your risk of other health issues as well, such as diabetes and stroke. Paying attention to your heart’s health also protects your hearing from circulation-related permanent damage.
HearCare Rhode Island
When it’s time for your next hearing exam, HearCare Rhode Island can help. We understand how your total health and quality of life can be impacted by hearing issues. At HearCare, we specialize in personalized solutions to hearing health that help you treat hearing loss while considering the needs of your lifestyle. From comprehensive hearing exams and professional hearing guidance to a full selection of the best hearing technology on the market, HearCare helps you access lifelong hearing health.