People tend to take matters of the heart very seriously­­­­­, yet brush off hearing loss as inconsequential. But the truth is your heart and ears have a lot in common. In fact, decades of research point to a link between cardiovascular and hearing health.

Specifically, Raymond H. Hull, PhD, professor of communication sciences and disorders in audiology and neurosciences at Wichita State University, and Stacy R. Kerschen, AuD, conducted an analysis spanning 84 years from scientists worldwide on the link between cardiovascular health and hearing. Their work reviewed 70 scientific studies and confirmed a direct link. The findings of their analysis also suggest that hearing loss may be an early sign of cardiovascular disease. “Our entire auditory system, especially the blood vessels of the inner ear, needs an oxygen-rich nutrient supply,” says Hull. “If it doesn’t get it due to cardiovascular health problems, then hearing can be affected.”

David R. Friedland, MD, PhD, Professor and Vice-Chair of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences at the Medical College of Wisconsin went so far as to conclude from his study that patients with low-frequency hearing loss should be regarded as at risk for cardiovascular events, and appropriate referrals should be considered. He explains the heart-hearing link like this: “The inner ear is so sensitive to blood flow that it is possible that abnormalities in the cardiovascular system could be noted here earlier than in other less sensitive parts of the body.”

If you feel you or someone you know may be struggling with hearing loss, then call and mention this article to receive a free hearing evaluation.

Content provided by Better Hearing Institute