Research has shown that having higher levels of cholesterol may increase your risk of hearing loss.
Studies Show Cholesterol Levels Can Impact Hearing Loss
Multiple studies have found a link between having higher cholesterol and an increased risk of hearing loss.
- A 2011 study found both that a diet high in cholesterol can negatively impact hearing and that switching to a low-cholesterol diet and taking cholesterol-lowering medications may decrease your risk.
- A 2014 study found that patients with high cholesterol were more likely to experience sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
Why Does High Cholesterol Increase Your Hearing Loss Risk?
In normal levels, cholesterol is essential for your body to function. It’s made in the liver and can also be absorbed by eating foods like meat and cheese that contain it. If your levels get too high, it can increase your risk for heart disease and impact your circulation.
If circulation is affected and blood flow to the inner ear is disrupted, this can kill the hair cells that reside there. These cells play an integral role in processing sound, and once they are damaged, they cannot be repaired. Enough damage will lead to permanent hearing loss.
Ways To Lower Your Cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol, there are several things you can do to lower your levels and help protect your health, including your hearing.
- Take any statins or cholesterol-lowering medications as prescribed by your doctor.
- Limit your intake of fatty foods and eat a diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and foods high in fiber.
- Get 30 minutes of exercise daily.
- Have regular checkups with your doctor to make sure your levels are staying in the healthy range.
Hearing Loss and Your Health
Keeping healthy overall can help reduce your risk of hearing loss. In the same vein, untreated hearing loss can increase your risk of various health conditions, including:
- Anxiety and depression
- Balance issues and risk of injury from falls
- Cognitive decline or dementia
Get Help at The First Sign of Hearing Loss
If you have high cholesterol, it may be wise to schedule a hearing test to see whether or not it has impacted your hearing. This is especially true if you have noticed signs of hearing loss, like needing to ask others to repeat themselves often or finding it difficult to follow conversations in places with background noise, such as The Brick Coffee House.
If any hearing loss is detected, your audiologist will work with you to find treatment solutions, most likely hearing aids. Using hearing aids can improve your ability to stay connected with others and benefit your overall health.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call The McCoy Institute today.
