You may already know about some factors that lead to hearing loss including aging, extremely loud noises, and head trauma. However, our hearing loss specialist in Brooklyn, NY wants you to know that there are other not-as-obvious causes that can affect your hearing. Take note of them so you can take care to avoid these situations.

Stress

Most of us are aware that chronic stress impacts our overall health. When you are stressed out oxygen is redirected to your muscles allowing you to react promptly. Typically, your body will return to normal once the stress is over. Constant stress means your body doesn’t return normal and other parts of your body, including the hearing parts of your inner ear, suffer from lack of oxygen and circulation.

Household Tools & Appliances

Frequent use of loud tools and appliances such as blenders, drills, and lawnmowers can eventually affect your hearing. Fortunately, there is an easy solution: protective hearing devices such as earplugs or earmuffs.

Smoking

There is some research that shows smokers are 70% more likely to suffer hearing loss. Nicotine limits blood from flowing to parts of your body including your inner ear and blocks neurotransmitters that send information to the brain.

Medications

Certain prescription medications are well known to cause damage to the cells in your ears. These include diuretics for heart disease and chemotherapy. Before you take any medication, speak with your doctor about its side effects and any alternative options.

Iron Deficiency

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania analyzed their medical records and found a relationship between Iron-deficient anemia (IDA) and hearing loss. They discovered that people with IDA were twice as likely to experience hearing loss than those without IDA. While they don’t claim a lack of iron leads to hearing loss, they acknowledge the importance of the mineral’s role in supplying blood to the inner ears’ cells.

Learn More from Our Hearing Loss Specialist in Brooklyn, NY

At Brooklyn Audiology Associates, we strive to stay at the forefront of hearing technology and are proud to offer advanced treatments to our patients. To learn more about hearing loss and rehabilitation, schedule your consultation today!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other audiology-related topics, feel free to contact Brooklyn Audiology Associates by clicking here or by calling 718-745-6363.