Your heart and hearing might seem unrelated, but they’re closely connected. Research has found that cardiovascular health impacts blood flow to the inner ear, and reduced blood flow can contribute to hearing loss.
Below, we explore why this connection matters and how you can support both heart and hearing health.
How Heart Health Affects Hearing
Your inner ear relies on tiny blood vessels to function properly. When blood flow is restricted due to heart disease or high blood pressure, the delicate structures in your ear may not get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Over time, this can lead to:
- Hearing loss at higher frequencies
- Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments
- Increased risk of age-related hearing decline
Studies also suggest that hearing loss may be an early indicator of cardiovascular issues, making regular check-ups even more critical.
Tips to Support Heart and Hearing Health
Good health habits benefit your entire body, including your ears. Consider these strategies to protect both your cardiovascular system and your hearing:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet:: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, reducing blood flow to both the heart and ears.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can strain your heart and potentially impact hearing.
- Schedule regular check-ups: Monitoring your heart and hearing health helps catch problems early.
Why It Matters
Understanding the link between heart and hearing health highlights the importance of a holistic approach to wellness. By prioritizing preventive care and healthy habits, you can protect these vital systems and improve your overall quality of life.
How to protect your hearing and heart health
Through our partnership with Amplifon Hearing Healthcare, we offer additional hearing health savings to eligible Individual and Family Plan members. It’s a convenient, low-cost way to keep you and your family healthy.
