The connection between heart and hearing

There is a popular saying- “Home is where the heart is.” This can be slightly modified as “ Home is where the hearing is!". Yes, hearing loss is apparently the first symptom of heart disease. Cardiovascular health facts reveal that there is a strong connection between the heart and hearing. Let us see how heart and hearing is connected.

The heart is a pumping organ that is responsible for circulating blood to all parts of the body. The human ear has its internal organ called cochlea which can function effectively only if it has constant blood flow. If the blood supply to the cochlea is disrupted, it may result in sudden hearing loss. This sudden hearing loss may be a sign of impending heart disease. The direct connection between the hearing and cardiovascular health was first established by Stacy Kerschen and Raymond Hull.

According to their research, the blood vessels of the inner ear need oxygen-rich blood supply without which hearing may be affected. Dr Friedland at the University of Wisconsin claims that the inner ear is sensitive to abnormalities in the cardiovascular system. So, it is clear that audiogram patterns are closely related to some kind of peripheral arterial disease. Patients with low-frequency hearing loss are at risk of cardiovascular disease. Such patients must immediately consult not only an audiologist for hearing loss treatment but also rule out chances of heart disease as well.

Preventing hearing damage, patients with cardiovascular disease must pay attention to their ears very carefully. Periodic consultations with an experienced ENT specialist is a must to prevent hearing damage. In fact, hearing loss can be minimized by adopting a fitness program suggested by the physician which includes cardiovascular exercise.

A study by Miami University researchers revealed that 102 volunteers showed better hearing capacity with a cardiac disease like riding a stationary bicycle. Research reveals that people above 50 with better cardiovascular fitness exhibit better sense of hearing. The best way to prevent hearing damage is by exercise. Exercise reduces the triglyceride levels and preserves hearing health as high triglyceride levels are associated with hearing loss. Consult the right ENT physician who will recommend the right exercise for your heart and hearing. Hearing loss in children may be due to several factors.

• Congenital heart disease It is an unfortunate fact that children with congenital heart disease are at high risk of suffering from hearing loss. Expert physicians suggest that children born with heart problems require special care for their hearing before and after heart surgery. Research also reveals that at least 21% of the infants who survived cardiac surgery suffered from hearing loss. This hearing loss may be due to the side- effects of heart medication or the high-frequency noise levels in the ICU. Whatever the case may be, audiologists and ENT specialists recommend that any child who underwent cardiac surgery must go for an auditory evaluation within 24-30 months of age.
• Genetic factors Nearly, 40 % of the hearing loss may be due to genetic factors. Congenital malformations of the ear and auditory nerves may cause hearing loss.
• Birth defects Defects at the time of birth like low birth weight, birth asphyxia and neonatal jaundice etc may also cause hearing loss.
• Infections Pregnancy infections like Rubella and Cytomegalovirus or childhood diseases like Measles and mumps may cause otitis media and hearing loss.
• Ear infections Ear infections due to was accumulation or glue ear may cause hearing loss.
• Noise Excessive noise above the audible unit may cause hearing loss.
• Medicine side- effects Medicines used for treating neonatal diseases like neonatal tuberculosis, malaria, cancer etc are ototoxic and may cause hearing loss. Early identification and screening is the key to preventing hearing loss in children.

Hearing loss is the prime indicator of the presence of heart disease. Treat your heart and hearing well by consulting a professional ENT specialist periodically for timely treatment.