The answer is YES! A recent study published in May 2014 found a high correlation between sleep apnea and hearing loss. Sleep apnea affects the way you breathe when you’re sleeping. In untreated sleep apnea, breathing is briefly interrupted or becomes very shallow during sleep.
These breathing pauses typically last between 10 to 20 seconds and can occur up to hundreds of times a night, jolting you out of your natural sleep rhythm. As a consequence, you spend more time in light sleep and less time in the deep, restorative sleep you need to be energetic, mentally sharp, and productive the next day. This chronic sleep deprivation results in daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes, poor concentration, and an increased risk of accidents.
Sleep apnea can also lead to serious health problems over time, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, weight gain and their findings indicate… sleep apnea is also associated with an increased risk of hearing impairment.
This particular study was conducted over several years and included 13,000 participants. Their findings revealed that participants with sleep apnea were independently associated with 31% increase in high frequency hearing loss. Because sleep apnea is commonly associated with vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries), it is also suspected to be associated with hearing loss via vascular insufficiency of the cochlea, a hearing organ that is supplied by end arteries.
Sleep apnea can affect our lives in many ways, including our hearing health. Untreated hearing loss can lead to an increase in depression, feelings of anxiety and isolation from family and friends. If you are concerned about the possibility sleep apnea and hearing loss, or simply hearing loss in general, it is wise to have your hearing evaluated.
Article facts provided by: Nathaniel Dunford, American Thoracic Society.
Dr. Jacob Burrows practices at Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists and regularly sees patients in Overton. Dr. Burrows can be reached at 397-8555.
