Is There Any Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Hearing Loss?

In recent studies, researchers have found a strong connection between sleep apnea and hearing loss issue. We already know that people with sleep apnea experience disrupted sleep at night. But it is also found that they may also suffer from hearing problems as well. Studies show people who experience hearing loss have sleep apnea, snoring issues, and higher body mass index than others.

In this article, we have discussed how sleep apnea contributes to hearing loss problems. While reading this, you can identify the issues and decide whether you need sleep apnea treatment.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

In this physical condition, your breathing stops for a few nanoseconds and starts over again. As a result, your survival reflex tries to wake you up to breathe, which keeps you awake throughout the night. Sleep apnea mainly happens due to blockage in the airways.

In this condition, you may experience loud snoring, irritability, and headache, can't pay attention while awake, also notice daytime sleepiness, and awaken with a dry mouth. You should consult a doctor for sleep apnea treatment in OKC to quickly prevent the associated issues.

How Does Sleep Apnea Impact Your Hearing Capability?

We have mentioned erstwhile that people with sleep apnea have hearing problems too. The patients lose both high and low-frequency auditory ability due to this condition. Research also has found a connection between sleep apnea and tinnitus (it is also a condition), where people hear buzzing, ringing, or clicking sounds in their inner ear.

Let's Check the Statistics

  • According to the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, 10 percent of 14,000 U.S. participants had suffered from sleep apnea and 30 percent had a hearing impairment. The researchers considered various factors to reach a conclusion which is -

  • Fat levels in the blood

  • High blood pressure

  • Cigarette and alcohol use

  • Diabetes,

  • Noise exposure

  • History of hearing loss

  • Snoring

Sleep apnea impacts your hearing capability in various ways. When an individual with sleep apnea hears loud snoring for years, it eventually damages the sensitive hair cells of the ear and causes sensorineural hearing loss. Also, the blood flow is reduced to the ear because of sleep apnea. But proper blood flow is significant to hear appropriately. That's why sleep apnea patients can't hear well or lose hearing capability.

When to Seek a Doctor for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Loud snoring and often awakening at night are the main symptoms that indicate you to see a doctor for sleep apnea treatment. You should also visit an ENT specialist to check your ear's condition.

Keep in mind that people with sleep apnea also experience vertigo, tinnitus, and Meniere's disease. These conditions are all associated with sleep apnea, especially OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), which mostly have been seen in women.

Sleep Well and Grow Healthy

Remember that you should not take these problems lightly because they have a negative impact on your personal relationship if not appropriately treated. Contact an experienced sleep doctor at Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates, LLC, to know more about it. Contact us to get obstructive sleep apnea treatment in OKC.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.

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