Is there a Link Between Hearing Loss and Heart Disease?

Hearing Loss and Heart Disease

Medical research has uncovered a link you should know about. As reported by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI), cardiovascular disease – including inadequate blood flow and trauma to the blood vessels of the inner ear – can contribute to hearing loss. Though it is still unclear why there is this connection, it’s been suggested that low-frequency hearing loss may be an early warning sign for cardiovascular events like heart disease or stroke.

“The inner ear is so sensitive to blood flow that it is possible that abnormalities in the cardiovascular system could be noted [in the inner ear] earlier than in other less sensitive parts of the body,” explains David R. Friedland, M.D, Ph.D., Professor and Vice-Chair of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

That’s why, if you’re 40 or older, it’s important to get your hearing tested as a routine part of your medical care. Detecting hearing loss – as well as heart disease – will allow you to take the proper steps to improve your quality of life and help you enjoy more years ahead.

You can find out more about the link between hearing loss and cardiovascular disease at http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/heart-disease-and-hearing-loss-linked-so-get-your-hearing-checked-for-world-heart-day-bhi-advises-224502101.html.

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Mavis W. Garrett, Au.D, CCC-A: Dr. Mavis W. Garrett received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Virginia in 1980 and her Masters in Education from UVA in 1982. She began her career in Tidewater at an ear, nose and throat specialist’s office in Norfolk upon graduation. While there, she became a faculty member of Eastern Virginia Medical School and served as an instructor for the medical school. In 1984, she moved to the Peninsula and began a long affiliation with a local hospital and later with Ear, Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons, Inc. In 2003, she was awarded a Doctorate in Audiology from AT Still University. In 2008 she joined Maico as a clinical provider and in 2012 became owner. Dr. Garrett is a member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology. She is a fellow with the American Academy of Audiology and holds licenses in both Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Dr. Garrett avidly seeks continuing education and stays in tune with the latest developments in technology and rehabilitative services for the hearing impaired of all ages. When not busy helping improve the lives of those with hearing impairments she is busy with her 2 dogs, 2 granddogs and cat. She enjoys quilting and needle arts. With over 30 years experience in the field of Audiology and hearing aid dispensing, we feel confident you will be pleased with Dr. Garrett’s diagnostic and rehabilitative services.