Women’s Health Today: March 2024

Q: Are other health conditions connected with hearing loss in women?

A: Yes. According to the Better Hearing Institute, women with hearing loss are more
likely to be depressed. Some experts say the inner ear is so sensitive to blood flow
that it’s possible that abnormalities in the cardiovascular system could be noted
there earlier than in other less sensitive parts of the body. Diabetes can mean
women are about twice as likely to have hearing loss. Ongoing research shows a
link between hearing loss and dementia, which leads experts to believe that
interventions, like hearing aids, could potentially delay or prevent dementia.
Increased risk of hearing loss in women is also tied to the use of common pain
relievers. That link is even stronger among those younger than age 50. There are
also ways to help women lower their risk of hearing loss. One study has found that
a higher level of physical activity is associated with doing just that. Another study
found that regular fish consumption and higher intake of long-chain omega-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with lowering that risk. Summit Hearing
Aid Center encourages women of all ages to schedule a hearing evaluation.

-Leslie E. Herman, AuD, CCC-A