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 an everyday 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
Numerous studies and research findings 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 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 analyzed 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?
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 throughout our ears. The specific ingredients in cigarettes and alcohol can harm these components of healthy hearing.
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.
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:
- Typical conversation: 60 dB
- Vacuum cleaner: 90 dB
- Lawnmower: 100 dB
- Rock concert: 110 dB
- Gunshot: 140 dB
To protect your hearing, it is crucial to take precautions when exposed to loud noises. This can include wearing earplugs or earmuffs, taking regular breaks from noisy environments, and reducing the volume of music or machinery.
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 hearing loss, particularly in one ear, could indicate a severe condition requiring immediate attention.
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds or understanding speech in noisy environments are common early signs of hearing loss.
- Needing to turn up the volume on the TV or radio to hear it clearly: If you constantly increase the volume, it might be time to check your hearing.
- 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.
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 smoke and/or drink, it is important to have your hearing evaluated. This will tell you if you have any impairment and 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.
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.