Three Surprising Triggers Of Hearing Loss

Most causes of hearing loss are well known. They include infections, physical damage to the ear, and even hereditary issues. However, there are some causes that many people aren't even aware of. Here are three examples of surprising things that can trigger or have been associated with hearing loss:

Medicine

While medicine is meant to improve your health, they do have other undesirable side effects. Unfortunately, there are medications whose side effects are so serious that they can cause hearing loss. Examples of such drugs include these four:

• Loop diuretics for treating high blood pressure
• Antidepressants
• Some antibiotics

The hearing loss may be temporary or permanent, and most cases begin within a day after taking the drug. Therefore, it's good to understand the side effects of any drugs you are taking. You can always ask your doctor for alternatives if you are concerned or if you have a high risk of developing hearing damage, for example, if you have experienced ear injuries in the past.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which your breathing stops and starts (repeatedly) while sleeping. You should suspect that you are suffering from the condition if you are experiencing these symptoms, among others:

• Snoring loudly
• Having a dry mouth and/or a sore throat in the morning (shortly after waking up)
• Feeling sleepy during the day
• Feeling headaches in the morning

Now, in addition to all these symptoms, sleep apnea has been linked to a damaged hearing. According to WebMD, this is probably because sleep apnea isn't a single disease, but rather a systematic disease that affects different organs including the ears. Thus, it's a good idea to have your hearing checked if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea.

Obesity

Lastly, your risk of developing hearing loss also increases if you are obese. The risk is particularly high if most of your excess pounds are distributed along your waistline. Note that this is just an association between being overweight and getting hearing loss, but doctors haven't yet to prove that one causes the other.

Still, it's best to take precautions even as scientists work to unearth the real link. One way of doing this is to exercise; simple exercise such as walking has been shown to reduce this risk.

These three examples just go to show how your body's organs are linked, and a condition in one part of the body can affect other parts too. This means you should take every health condition seriously because you never know the complications that may ensue.  

To learn more, contact a company like Abingdon Falls Plaza Hearing Center.