Hearing Loss & Whole-Body Health: Understanding the Link

Hearing loss doesn’t always occur in isolation. In fact, research has linked it to a wide range of other health conditions—some of which may increase your risk of developing hearing problems, while others may result from untreated hearing loss itself.

At Johnson Audiology, we believe in treating hearing health as part of your overall wellness. Below, we explore the key health issues connected to hearing loss, the importance of early detection, and how better hearing can help protect your long-term health.

Cardiovascular Disease

The inner ear is highly sensitive to blood flow, and studies show that a healthy cardiovascular system supports better hearing. Inadequate circulation—often caused by conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure—can impair inner ear function and contribute to hearing loss. In fact, there is a significant association between hypertension and reduced hearing sensitivity. Protecting your heart health can also help reduce your risk of hearing loss.

Diabetes

Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes. Even adults with elevated blood sugar—without a formal diabetes diagnosis—are 30% more likely to have hearing loss than those with normal glucose levels. High blood sugar damages small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear, while low blood sugar over time can interfere with how signals travel from the ear to the brain. Both forms of damage can result in hearing loss.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis increases the risk of hearing loss by weakening the bones of the middle ear—the malleus, incus, and stapes—which are essential for transmitting sound vibrations. It can also alter the chemical composition of endolymph fluid in the inner ear, disrupting cochlear function. These structural changes may compromise hearing and balance, particularly in aging adults with reduced bone density.

Kidney Disease

There is a documented link between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hearing loss. Older adults with moderate CKD have a higher prevalence of hearing problems due to shared physiological traits between inner ear and kidney tissues. Additionally, toxins that accumulate in kidney failure can damage auditory nerves, further increasing the risk of hearing impairment.

Cancer Treatment

Chemotherapy—especially platinum-based drugs like cisplatin—can have lasting effects on hearing. Research from 2018 found that cisplatin remains in the cochlea months or even years after treatment ends. This ongoing exposure puts patients at risk for auditory damage.

Between 40% and 80% of adults

And 50% of children experience significant, often permanent, hearing loss after receiving platinum-based chemotherapy.

Regular hearing evaluations before and after treatment are essential for monitoring changes and addressing any hearing loss early.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea limits oxygen supply throughout the body, including the inner ear. This reduction in oxygen and blood flow can damage the sensory hair cells in the cochlea, leading to hearing loss over time—particularly in high-frequency ranges.

Fall Risk

Even mild hearing loss triples the risk of falling. That’s because the inner ear is central to your sense of balance and spatial orientation. Every additional 10 decibels of hearing loss increases fall risk by 1.4 times. With 1 in 3 adults over 65 experiencing a fall each year, treating hearing loss becomes an important strategy in reducing injury risk and preserving independence.

Cognitive Decline

Individuals with hearing loss face a 30% to 40% greater decline in cognitive abilities compared to those with normal hearing. When the brain works harder to fill in gaps caused by hearing loss, other mental processes like memory and concentration suffer. Early hearing intervention can help slow this decline and support long-term brain health.

Mental Health

Adults over age 50 with untreated hearing loss are significantly more likely to report symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, emotional instability & paranoia.  Wearing hearing aids has been shown to improve emotional well-being, reduce social isolation, and restore confidence in day-to-day interactions.

Smoking

Current smokers have a 70% higher risk of developing hearing loss than non-smokers. Smoking contributes to reduced blood flow, inflammation, and inner ear damage—putting the auditory system under constant strain. Quitting smoking can help protect both hearing and overall health.

Tinnitus

An estimated 90% of people with tinnitus—a persistent ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound—also have hearing loss. As hearing sensitivity declines in certain frequencies, the brain tries to "fill in the silence" with phantom sounds. Amplification through hearing aids can reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms by restoring proper sound input.

Vision Loss

Vision and hearing work together to help you understand your environment. When both senses are compromised, tasks like locating sound sources or maintaining balance become more difficult. Vision loss also limits your ability to rely on visual cues for speech comprehension. Hearing aids help compensate for these challenges, improving safety, confidence, and spatial awareness.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk of Hearing Loss?

The good news is that you can take steps to protect your hearing and your overall health—starting with awareness and early action.

Preventive Tips:

• Schedule regular hearing evaluations, especially if you have a chronic medical condition
• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease
• Quit smoking to improve circulation and reduce inflammation
• Exercise regularly to support cardiovascular and brain health
• Use hearing protection in loud environments
• Seek treatment early if you notice signs of hearing difficulty

Modern hearing aids are discreet, powerful, and can do more than improve hearing—they can help reduce your risk of falls, support mental clarity, and enhance your overall quality of life.