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4 surprising things people don't realize can mess with hearing
nypost.com • • health
Key Points:
- Hearing loss affects people of all ages and can lead to social isolation, depression, anxiety, and loss of confidence, not just aging individuals.
- Factors beyond aging and noise exposure, such as smoking, high blood pressure, and certain medications like NSAIDs, can contribute to hearing loss.
- Smoking may worsen hearing loss due to reduced oxygen delivery and toxic chemicals, while quitting smoking might reduce or reverse some risk.
- High blood pressure can damage blood vessels and hair cells in the inner ear, potentially causing gradual or sudden hearing loss.
- Regular or high-dose use of NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen may damage auditory neurons, though effects are usually temporary and resolve after stopping the medication.
