Possible connection between hearing loss and heart problems

Hearing loss may be associated with heart disease in older adults. According to an American study, the prevalence of suffering from various degrees of hearing loss is 54% greater among those who have a history of heart disease than in the general population.

The study, based on 2,226 participants aged between 52 and 97, was carried out by the Population Health Program Faculty at Wisconsin University in the United States.

In addition, hearing loss appeared in almost 80% of the people who had suffered from a myocardial infarction. When age, gender, occupation and other factors were taken into account, it was found that hearing problems after a myocardial infarction was a predictor for women but not for men. In fact, women who have had this kind of heart problem were 2.7 times more likely to suffer from hearing loss than women in general.

The study also indicated that individuals who exercised at least once a week, saw a 32% reduction in risk of suffering from hearing loss, when compared to sedentary people.

These preliminary results show a possible connection between heart disease and hearing loss, however, further studies are needed to draw firm conclusions.

 

Source: "The Association Between Cardiovascular Disease and Cochlear Function in Older Adults." Population Health Program Faculty, Wisconsin University, First Annual Population Health Poster Session selected abstracts 2001-2002.