Conditions Associated with Hearing Loss
Many common chronic conditions are linked to hearing changes. If you have been diagnosed
with any of the following, ask your GP to refer for a baseline hearing assessment.
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Age (Presbycusis)
Almost one in 2 adults over the age of 65 years experience some degree of hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is gradual and often goes unnoticed until it affects daily communication. Left unaddressed, it contributes to cognitive and physical decline.
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Heart disease
Cardiovascular disease damages blood flow to the inner ear. Uncontrolled hypertension accelerates age-related hearing loss. Bringing blood pressure under control, can, in some cases, stabilise hearing.
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Hypertension
High blood pressure restricts blood flow to the inner ear. Uncontrolled hypertension accelerates age-related hearing loss. Bringing blood pressure under control can, in some cases, restore or stabilise hearing.
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Smoking
Smokers are twice as likely to have hearing loss. Nicotine and carbon monoxide restrict blood flow to the inner ear, interfere with auditory nerve neurotransmitters, and increase susceptibility to noise-induced loss.
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Ear infections
Middle ear infections are very common in young children. Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) often follows ear infections and can cause hearing loss or hearing difficulties that affects speech and language development.
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Ototoxic medications
Some medications can damage the inner ear - including certain high-dose antibiotics (aminoglycosides), loop diuretics, some anti-cancer medications (cisplatin, carboplatin), and quinine. Symptoms range from tinnitus to permanent hearing loss.
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Kidney Disease
The inner ear and kidneys share similar structural tissues. Toxins accumulated with kidney failure can damage auditory nerves. Chronic kidney disease affects 1% of Australians and up to 44% of people over 75.
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Head Trauma
Head injury or concussion can cause hearing loss through mechanical damage (fracture, eardrum perforation) or neurological damage to the auditory processing regions of the brain.
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Diabetes
High blood glucose levels can damage small blood vessels in the inner ear. Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes. Adults with pre-diabetes have a 30% higher rate of hearing loss than those with normal blood sugar level.
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Noise exposure
Prolonged exposure to sounds at or above 85 dB HL damages cochlear hair cells. Noise induced hearing loss is permanent and cumulative. Occupational noise and recreational noise (power tools, loud music) are common causes of hearing loss.
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Thyroid Disease
Ear development and function depend on thyroid hormones. Approximately half of people with hypothyroidism have measurable hearing loss.
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Genetics
Genetic factors play an important role in both childhood and age-related hearing loss. Conditions include otosclerosis, Usher syndrome, and Pendred syndrome. Congenital hearing loss in infants can be genetically linked.