Hearing loss has been associated with several underlying health issues, including diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease. If you regularly use tobacco products, you may also be more likely to experience hearing-related problems. This also applies if you live in a household with other smokers due to the possibility of secondhand exposure. Keep reading to learn how tobacco usage could contribute to hearing loss.

Smoking and Hearing Loss – What the Stats Say

Statistically, smokers have roughly a 70 percent greater chance of experiencing hearing loss compared to what's common with non-smokers. This risk also doubles if you live with someone who smokes. The link between tobacco usage and hearing impairment is also greater for:

• People who smoke a larger number of cigarettes daily
• Expectant mothers smoking during pregnancy
• People who smoke and work in places where occupational noise levels are higher
• Adolescents exposed to secondhand smoke

Eustachian Tube Blockages

Responsible for balancing inner ear pressure, the Eustachian tube runs from the middle ear to the nasal-sinus cavity. The various chemicals in tobacco could contribute to blockages in this tube, affecting drainage and hearing loss. This happens as pressure builds up from the lack of proper fluid drainage.

Changes in Blood Pressure

Smoking affects blood pressure, which, in turn, reduces blood flow and circulation. If the various tissues in your ears aren't getting a steady supply of properly circulated blood, it can become difficult to process sounds. Smoking also affects the supply of oxygen to developing fetuses, which could damage the hearing of a developing baby.

Nerve-Based Damage

Nicotine is the main ingredient in tobacco products that can significantly impact your health and hearing. This is also true when it comes to nerve-related functions. For instance, nicotine interferes with the rapidly sent impulses – neurotransmitters – that carry messages between your ears and brain. As a result, your brain isn't getting all the input it needs to interpret sound and speech fully. Tobacco also impacts the development of the central nervous system, which could be an issue for younger smokers.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you're a smoker or exposed to others who smoke regularly, consider getting a hearing evaluation every year or two. However, if you notice signs of hearing loss, see your doctor. You'll likely be referred to an audiologist for a hearing evaluation. Treatment often involves hearing aids. It's also a good idea to stop smoking, which can usually be accomplished with smoking cessation programs.

Call Us Today

Smoking-related hearing loss isn't reversible, but it's often manageable with customized and correctly adjusted hearing aids. If a hearing evaluation by an audiologist suggests this is likely the case for you, contact us at Beltone Dallas Fort Worth. We offer a wide range of top-quality hearing aids, including ones designed for discrete use and models with high-tech features.

Call today to schedule an appointment to find out more about your options with hearing aids.