Current & Former Smokers May Be at Higher Risk for Hearing Loss

Despite cigarette corporations marketing the glamour of smoking, research has shown that health experts have been well aware of the risks of smoking since the 1950s, including cancer heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Each year, we lose approximately 480,000 people to smoking-related diseases. For the survivors of this habit, most live with a smoking-related health complication. Now research is finding that one of these complications is a greater chance of hearing loss.

Studies on Hearing loss and Smoking

A recent study published by Oxford University Press examined over 50,000 participants over 8 years in Nicotine & Tobacco Research using data from annual health checkups, including audio testing and health-related lifestyle surveys. The demographic included smokers, former smokers and those who had never smoked. When comparing instances of hearing loss and smoking, the researchers found that a 1.2 to 1.6 increased risk of hearing loss was present among current smokers compared to those who had never smoked. 

However, the research also showed that the increased risk of hearing loss declined even within 5 years of quitting the habit. The study's lead author Dr. Huanhuan Hu of Japan's National Center for Global Health and Medicine explains "With a large sample size, long follow-up period, and objective assessment of hearing loss, our study provides strong evidence that smoking is an independent risk factor of hearing loss," Dr Hu continues, "These results provide strong evidence to support that smoking is a causal factor for hearing loss and emphasize the need for tobacco control to prevent or delay the development of hearing loss."

How does smoking affect hearing? 

While hearing occurs in the ears, it actually relies on tiny hair-like cells, which transform audio waves into electrical pulses, which are then sent to the brain to be interpreted. If these tiny and fragile cells are damaged or destroyed then the brain receives limited information, which in effect is the most common cause of hearing loss. Both nicotine and carbon monoxide cause lower oxygen blood levels and constrict blood vessels all over your entire body–including those of your inner ear. These cells rely on oxygen-rich blood to maintain their health and smoking directly puts this process in jeopardy which can cause chronic ear infections and trigger the release of free radicals that can damage DNA, both causing chronic disease or infection

Smoking and higher instances of ear infection

Not only are your inner ear cells affected but smoking can also irritate the Eustachian tube and lining of the middle ear. This can cause chronic ear infections, which if ignored or continue to repeat, can contribute to permanent hearing damage. Smoking weakens the immune system and also can cause damage to the tissue in the nose and throat, raising the likeliness of infection. 

The effects of secondhand smoke on hearing loss

If you think it is only you who is affected by your smoking habit then you are in for a rude awakening. Second hand smoke can damage the hearing of the people in your life, including your children, family, co-workers and friends. A 2010 study examined data on 3,307 adults aged 20-69 who were exposed to secondhand smoke, based on blood levels of the chemical cotinine, a breakdown product of nicotine. The study found that 14% of people who had been exposed to tobacco smoke by others were more likely to have impaired hearing in low to mid frequencies and 46% suffered from high-frequency hearing loss, which can affect speech comprehension.

Quitting now can decrease your risk of hearing loss

The American Lung Association reports that the sooner you quit the greater your chances of improving your health in just a short time. Within 20 minutes after your last cigarette, blood pressure decreases and your circulation improves. Within 48 hours, your sense of smell and taste improve and your nerve endings begin to regenerate. 

To improve quality of life and health invest in quitting now. If you do suspect that you have some hearing loss it is a good idea to have your hearing tested as soon as possible. The better you can hear, the more you can connect to the people and the things you love in your life.

If you are in search of quality hearing health services, look no further! We provide comprehensive hearing health services from hearing tests to hearing aid fittings. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.