How Smoking & Drinking May Affect Hearing

We are all aware of the common health risks of smoking and drinking: lung cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, etc. Less known is the link between smoking, drinking, and hearing loss. Smoking and drinking increase the risk of developing various medical conditions, including impaired hearing. Studies have shown the adverse impact of these specific substances on hearing health, yet their consumption remains a common activity. It is critical to be aware of the relationship between smoking, drinking, and hearing loss, as well as ways to protect your hearing!

The Research

There are numerous studies and research findings that reveal the association between smoking and drinking with increased risk of hearing loss. A few examples of some of the latest research include:

In a 2018 study published by Oxford University Press, researchers in Japan found smokers are more likely to develop hearing loss than nonsmokers. The study included 50,000 Japanese workers, ages 20 to 64, who did not have hearing loss in the beginning. These participants were also a mix of smokers, nonsmokers, and former smokers. Over the course of 8 years, more than 5,100 of the participants developed hearing loss. After examining data from annual health screenings, yearly hearing tests, and questionnaires that assessed smoking behavior, researchers found that compared to the nonsmokers, people who smoked were:

• 60% more likely to develop high-frequency hearing loss
• 20% more likely to develop low-frequency hearing loss

Also, investigating the amount of smoking, researchers found that:

• The higher the number of cigarettes smoked per day, the greater the risk of hearing loss
• Quitting smoking eliminated the increased risk of developing hearing loss

In a 2019 study published in the Journal of Audiology & Otology, researchers in South Korea investigated the link between hearing loss and consumption of alcohol. The study involved analyzing data from the Korean National Health and Nutritional Survey for 3,860 participants, ages 20 and older. The survey included results from hearing tests and a self-reported drinking questionnaire that identified drinking habits as appropriate, risky, and hazardous. Findings from the analysis included:

• Men who reported hazardous drinking were 2.5 times more likely to have hearing loss compared to those who reported appropriate drinking
• Researchers concluded that people (specifically men) who drank excessively were more likely to suffer from impaired hearing.
• The study also highlighted the risks of temporary hearing loss associated with heavy drinking, emphasizing the long-term damage it can cause to both the brain and the inner ear cells.
• Extensive research supports the claim that smoking and drinking increase the risk of hearing loss.

But how exactly can smoking and drinking affect hearing?

How Hearing Works

The Hearing Process

The human ear is a marvel of biological engineering, enabling us to perceive and interpret sound waves. The hearing process involves a coordinated effort between the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear.

The journey of sound begins with the outer ear, also known as the pinna or auricle, which captures sound waves and funnels them into the ear canal. The ear canal, a narrow passageway, directs these sound waves towards the eardrum, or tympanic membrane. When sound waves hit the eardrum, it vibrates.

These vibrations are then transmitted through the middle ear by three tiny bones known as ossicles. The ossicles amplify the vibrations and pass them to the inner ear. Here, the cochlea, a spiral-shaped organ, comes into play. The cochlea is filled with fluid and lined with thousands of tiny hair cells that convert these vibrations into electrical signals.

These electrical signals travel along the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are processed and interpreted as sound. This intricate process allows us to understand and interact with the world around us.

Impact of Smoking & Drinking on Hearing

The sense of hearing involves a complex process of absorbing, amplifying, and processing sound. We do this through the auditory system which requires healthy blood flow, blood vessels, cells, and bones located throughout our ears. These components of healthy hearing can be harmed by the specific ingredients in cigarettes and alcohol.

When individuals consume alcohol, it can reduce oxygen transmission in the body, which deprives the sensitive hair cells in the ear and can lead to hearing loss.

Additionally, exposure to loud music, especially in social settings like bars where alcohol is consumed, can further exacerbate hearing damage.

Smoking

Key ingredients in cigarettes are nicotine and carbon monoxide. These chemicals have several effects that can cause hearing loss, including:

• Reducing oxygen levels and constricting blood vessels all throughout the body, including in the inner ear which help maintain the health of hair cells.
• Disrupts the neurotransmitters in the nerve pathways located in the inner ear, which are responsible for sending sound information to your brain to process
• Contribute to tinnitus which is a ringing or buzzing sound in one or both ears

How Smoking Damages the Inner Ear

Smoking introduces harmful chemicals like nicotine and carbon monoxide into the body, which can wreak havoc on the inner ear. These substances can damage the delicate hair cells in the cochlea, which are crucial for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals. Once these hair cells are damaged, they cannot regenerate, leading to permanent hearing loss.

Moreover, smoking can impair blood flow and reduce oxygen levels in the inner ear. This lack of oxygen can further damage the hair cells and the auditory nerve, exacerbating hearing loss. The cumulative effect of these damages underscores the significant health risks associated with smoking, including its impact on hearing.

Drinking

When individuals consume alcohol, it can damage the auditory cortex, which is the part of the brain responsible for processing and making meaning of the sound we hear. Significant consumption of alcohol can shrink the auditory cortex, reducing its ability to function effectively.

Consuming alcohol disrupts the inner ear, which consists of thousands of hair cells that help translate soundwaves into electrical signals sent to the brain to process. Excessive drinking can damage these hair cells, which do not regenerate, meaning that damage is permanent. In severe cases, excessive drinking can lead to profound hearing loss, necessitating advanced treatment options such as cochlear implants.

Drinking Alcohol and Hearing Loss

Alcohol consumption, particularly in excessive amounts, can also have detrimental effects on hearing. Drinking alcohol can damage the hair cells in the cochlea, leading to permanent hearing loss. Additionally, alcohol can harm the auditory nerve, which is essential for transmitting sound signals to the brain.

Binge drinking, or consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short period, poses a particularly high risk. This behavior can cause temporary hearing loss, which may become permanent if the damage is severe. The impact of alcohol on the inner ear highlights the importance of moderating alcohol consumption to protect hearing health.

Risk Factors for Hearing Loss

Comparing the Loudness of Common Sounds

Exposure to loud noises is a well-known risk factor for hearing loss. The loudness of a sound is measured in decibels (dB), and prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB can cause significant hearing damage.

Here are some common sounds and their decibel levels:

• Normal conversation: 60 dB
• Vacuum cleaner: 90 dB
• Lawnmower: 100 dB
• Rock concert: 110 dB
• Gunshot: 140 dB

To protect your hearing, it’s crucial to take precautions when exposed to loud noises. This can include wearing earplugs or earmuffs, taking regular breaks from noisy environments, and turning down the volume on music or machinery. By being mindful of these risk factors, you can help preserve your hearing health and reduce the likelihood of developing hearing loss.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, it’s essential to seek medical help. Here are some scenarios where you should consult a doctor:

• Sudden loss of hearing, particularly in one ear: This could indicate a serious condition that requires immediate attention.
• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds or understanding speech in noisy environments: These are common early signs of hearing loss.
• Needing to turn up the volume on the TV or radio to hear it clearly: If you find yourself constantly increasing the volume, it might be time to get your hearing checked.
• Feeling like you’re missing out on conversations or events due to hearing difficulties: Struggling to follow conversations can be frustrating and isolating.
• Experiencing ear pain, discharge, or fever: These symptoms could indicate an infection or other medical issues that need prompt treatment.

Early detection and treatment can significantly improve hearing outcomes. Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if you’re concerned about your hearing health.

Identifying Hearing Problems

Identifying hearing problems can be challenging, especially if they develop gradually. Here are some common signs of hearing loss:

• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, such as children’s voices or high-pitched tones: High-frequency hearing loss is often one of the first signs.
• Trouble understanding speech in noisy environments, such as restaurants or parties: Background noise can make it harder to follow conversations.
• Needing to turn up the volume on the TV or radio to hear it clearly: This is a common indicator of hearing issues.
• Feeling like you’re missing out on conversations or events due to hearing difficulties: Social interactions can become more challenging.
• Experiencing ear pain, discharge, or fever: These symptoms could be related to an underlying condition affecting your hearing.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a doctor to determine the cause and get proper treatment.

Complications of Untreated Hearing Loss

Untreated hearing loss can lead to various complications, including:

• Social isolation: Hearing loss can make it difficult to communicate with others, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Cognitive impairment: Research suggests that hearing loss may be linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.
• Depression: Hearing loss can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
• Increased risk of falls: Hearing loss can affect balance and increase the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.
• Reduced quality of life: Untreated hearing loss can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to enjoy social activities, work, or engage in hobbies.

Addressing hearing loss early can help prevent these complications and improve overall quality of life.

The Consequences of Ignoring Hearing Loss

Ignoring hearing loss can have severe consequences, including:

• Permanent damage: Untreated hearing loss can lead to permanent damage to the inner ear, making it more challenging to treat.
• Reduced treatment options: Delaying treatment can limit the effectiveness of hearing aids or other treatments.
• Increased risk of complications: Untreated hearing loss can increase the risk of complications, such as cognitive impairment, depression, and social isolation.
• Reduced quality of life: Ignoring hearing loss can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to enjoy social activities, work, or engage in hobbies.

Don’t ignore hearing loss – seek medical help to address any hearing difficulties and prevent complications.

Preventative Tips

There are ways that you can reduce your risk of developing hearing loss. This includes:

• Eliminate or limit smoking and drinking: reduced consumption also reduces your risk.
• Have hearing assessed: if you are a smoker and/or drinking, it is important to have your hearing evaluated. This will let you know if you have any impairment, the degree, and type of hearing loss.

For those who have already experienced hearing loss, hearing aids can be a critical intervention to enhance sound volume and improve quality of life.

Fortunately, there are effective treatment options that can significantly increase your ability to hear! To learn more, contact us today.

Conclusion

Hearing loss is a common condition that can significantly impact daily life. Smoking and drinking can increase the risk of hearing loss, and untreated hearing loss can lead to various complications. By understanding the causes and consequences of hearing loss, you can take steps to protect your hearing health.

Protecting Your Hearing Health

To protect your hearing health, follow these tips:

• Quit smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for hearing loss, so quitting can help reduce your risk.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of hearing loss, so drink in moderation.
• Wear ear protection: Wear earplugs or earmuffs when working with loud machinery or in noisy environments.
• Get regular hearing tests: Regular hearing tests can help detect hearing problems early, making it easier to treat.
• Take care of your overall health: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help protect your hearing health.

By taking these steps, you can reduce your risk of hearing loss and protect your hearing health.