Question: Does smoking impact loss of hearing? Answer: Research shows that cigarette smoking has an increased risk of hearing loss in humans. Cigarette smoking may negatively affect hearing through ototoxic effects or by restricting oxygen in the blood that...
No Bones About It: Osteoporosis May Nearly Double Risk of Sudden Hearing Loss
What does osteoporosis, a potentially debilitating disease affecting some 10 million Americans and 2 million Canadians, have in common with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, dementia, and other selected conditions? It can go hand in hand with hearing loss. More specifically, at least one study links osteoporosis to a nearly doubled […]
Read MoreTurn the Music Up, Dude — But Not Past 85 Decibels
You probably use your tablet or smartphone often to stream music, TV shows, or movies. In fact, many websites these days auto-play videos regardless of whether you want them to. Smartphones, tablets, and other types of portable music players (PMPs) are now commonplace, as are earbuds and headphones. But if your PMP is turned up […]
Read MoreIs Weight Connected to Hearing Loss?
Studies about weight often concern its relation to overall health. Common connections include weight and the risk for or prevalence of heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea, to name a few. One topic that doesn’t get as much attention is the connection between weight and risk for hearing loss. But is there a connection? To […]
Read MoreLazy Ears
Answer: Actually, the opposite is true. When the ears are not hearing properly, they are not transmitting the sound to areas in the brain for understanding, so the brain’s function in these areas becomes reduced permanently. Over time, this has a negative impact on the ability to process understanding of words and speech sounds. It […]
Read MoreDiabetes & Hearing Loss: What’s the Deal?
Are hearing impairment and diabetes connected? More than you might think. Hearing loss — which affects an estimated one of every five Americans — is twice as common among people living with diabetes, making healthy habits and regular hearing checkups all the more important for overall wellness. Some 30 million people in the U.S. have […]
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