Tell others about your experience with us!The Connection Between Sleep Apnea And Hearing Loss
Nov 21, 2013
Sleep apnea is associated with breathing – or not breathing – while you sleep. But a recent study found an important link between sleep apnea and hearing loss. Find out more...
Sleep apnea affects at least 20 percent of the population, and causes pauses in breathing while people are asleep. But a recent study suggests that there may be more to sleep apnea than just pauses in breathing – it may also lead to sudden hearing loss.
Study Connects Sleep Apnea And Hearing Loss
Researchers from Taipei Medical University Hospital studied the journals of people with sleep apnea, and studied cases of people with sudden hearing loss. The study found that some patients suffered from sleep apnea before experiencing sudden hearing loss.
Inflammation Or Plaque Could Be The Cause
The connection between sleep apnea and hearing loss isn’t perfectly clear, but there are some good theories. Sleep apnea is known to cause a buildup of plaque in blood vessels and inflammation, and it is possible that this includes vessels between the ears and the brain, leading to diminished hearing.
Treatment Can Help
Sudden hearing loss doesn’t always affect both ears. It often affects one ear, and if treated quickly, can be overcome.
Men With Sleep Apnea Are More At Risk
The study accounted for lifestyle factors such as age and obesity (both of these are factors in sleep apnea and hearing loss). The study found that when these factors were corrected for, men with sudden hearing loss were 48 percent more likely to have been previously diagnosed with sleep apnea then men without hearing loss.
Do You Have Sleep Apnea? Call Us Today.
If you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea, or has had a sudden unexplained change in hearing, call us today to book a free hearing evaluation with one of our experienced audiologists. Our professionals will test your hearing to determine any impairment. Their understanding of hearing loss and other conditions will help them give you the best treatment available.
FREE Hearing Consultation*
Are you (or a loved one) having difficulty hearing?
You are invited to come in for a Complimentary Hearing Screening & Consultation with a Doctor of Audiology*
Schedule Your Appointment Online
* Applicable to new patients 18 years of age or older.
- Find out if you have hearing loss and what you can do about it
- If you already wear hearing aids, we'll check your settings and make adjustments if necessary
5 locations in the Washington, DC Metro Area. We'll help you hear ALL the sounds of life! Why wait another day?
We're DC Metro's highest rated audiology practice, with over 1,500 5-star reviews.
About Hearing Doctors
Personal Care & Custom Solutions
Our team of experienced, professional and caring audiologists specializes in "invisible" hearing aids, digital hearing solutions with crystal clear sound, treatment for tinnitus (ringing in the ears), pediatric audiology services for children aged 3-18 years, hearing aid repairs, hearing protection and custom earmolds.
5 Locations in Washington, DC Metro (Virginia & Maryland)
Come see us at one of our 5 convenient locations in the Washington, DC Metro Area, in McLean, Lansdowne, Falls Church, Fairfax, VA & Rockville, MD.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Online
* Applicable to new patients 18 years of age or older.