The health of your ears is closely tied to that of your heart, as unlikely as that may seem.
It’s true. Tiny hair cells in the inner ear are particularly sensitive to proper blood flow. Inadequate circulation to the cochlea can diminish the quality of sound conducted to the brain.
Thus, any hearing loss could be a sign of cardiovascular problems caused by the heart not pumping enough blood throughout the body. Because of this connection, it’s important to take preventative measures to help improve both.
Here are several lifestyle changes to make toward a healthier heart and ears:
- Stop smoking: Quitting the habit can help reduce your risk for heart disease and hearing loss.
- Physical activity: Exercising for up to 30 minutes per day, four or five times per week, will strengthen both your heart and hearing.
- Diet: Eating for your heart (and ears) means getting healthy amounts of fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains. Be sure to skip foods with excessive amounts of sodium, saturated and trans fat.
Hearing loss rarely occurs in a vacuum. If you’re experiencing hearing loss, speak to your physician about the possibility of heart disease. The ears’ connection to the heart makes it even more important to schedule an appointment with a hearing health care provider.
For more information on how Audio Help Hearing Centers can help you, you can also call us at 888-734-3888.
