Heart disease and hearing loss: How they're linked

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women, killing nearly 610,000 people every year in the United States. However, its effects can negatively impact numerous aspects of your health, including your hearing.

"An alarming number of Americans don’t understand how serious the threat of heart disease is to them personally, or how closely intertwined it is with other health conditions, such as hearing health," said Sergei Kochkin, PhD, a hearing industry market researcher and former Executive Director of the Better Hearing Institute. "We urge women and men alike to know their risks and to take action today to protect their heart and hearing health.”

Can heart disease cause hearing loss?

Yes. Research shows a clear link between hearing loss and heart health. Why the connection? It’s all about blood flow.

Good circulation plays a role in maintaining good hearing health. Conversely, inadequate blood flow and trauma to the blood vessels of the inner ear can contribute to hearing loss. This is also why hearing loss and diabetes are connected.

That’s because the delicate hair cells in the cochlea, depend on a healthy blood supply to work properly. These cells play a crucial role in our ability to hear. When circulation is poor, these cells don’t get the oxygen they need and can become damaged. Because these hair cells do not regenerate and cannot be repaired, it results in permanent hearing loss. 

What the research says

Multiple studies have found a link between hearing loss and heart disease including:

• A 2024 review of 10 studies found that people with hearing loss had a higher risk of stroke, coronary artery disease or any type of cardiovascular disease than those with normal hearing, suggesting a consistent association between heart disease and hearing loss. 
• A 2017 analysis of 5,107 Australians found a strong link between heart disease (and heart disease risk factors, like high blood pressure) with an increased risk of hearing loss. 

Can heart problems cause tinnitus?

Certain heart conditions such as abnormal blood vessels, narrowed arteries, hardened arteries, and other vascular issues can cause a specific type of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that sounds like a heartbeat, known as pulsatile tinnitus.

If you notice this kind of tinnitus, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider. While it can be harmless, it can also sometimes signal changes in heart or circulatory health.

Blood pressure medication can cause tinnitus

In some case high blood pressure medication may be triggering tinnitus. If you notice a persistent ringing or buzzing after starting a new medication, discuss with your doctor and see if alternative treatment options are available.

Stroke may cause lasting ear problems

A stroke happens when the brain’s blood supply is blocked, cutting off oxygen. If it affects the areas of the brain responsible for hearing and balance, it can cause:

• hearing changes
• dizziness
• other balance issues

In some cases, a doctor can detect a stroke by using several bedside tests, including a "finger rub" test to see if a person can hear sounds at a close distance. 

When a stroke affects the temporal lobe of the brain, a person may experience long-term negative changes in their hearing. These include:

• Difficulty recognizing spoken words or sounds
• A perception that normal sounds are unusual or strange
• Rarely "auditory hallucinations" in which they hear things that don't exist

Sudden hearing loss may increase stroke risk

There is some evidence that people who experience sudden hearing loss in one ear (also known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or SSHL) may be at increased risk of having a stroke within the next few years after they lost their hearing. 

The exact cause of sudden hearing loss isn’t always clear, but one possible factor is a temporary disruption in blood flow to the part of the brain involved in hearing. If you’ve experienced SSHL, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about your overall heart and stroke risk.

Heart healthy lifestyle can benefit hearing

Although hearing loss caused by heart disease is permanent, you can take steps to lower your risk (or preserve your remaining hearing if you already have some loss) by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Suggestions include:

• Get regular exercise
• Eat more fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats
• Limit sodium and added sugars
• Don’t smoke (or quit if you do)
• Keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage stress
• Have regular checkups with your primary care provider

Cardiovascular fitness may mean better hearing

Activities that get your heart pumping may be especially beneficial. A study by researchers at Miami University discovered a positive relationship between hearing acuity and cardiovascular exercise.

The study followed 102 non-smoking volunteers from Indiana and Ohio ranging in age from 22-78, whose hearing was evaluated after riding a stationary bicycle. Researchers concluded those with higher cardiovascular fitness levels had better hearing, especially among those age 50 and older.

'Hearing loss is related to cardiovascular disease'

Charles E. Bishop, AuD, Assistant Professor in the University of Mississippi Medical Center's Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, encourages Americans to take cardiovascular disease seriously, both for it's life-threatening effects and impact on all areas of life, including hearing health.

"Hearing health should not be assessed in a vacuum," said Bishop. "There is simply too much evidence that hearing loss is related to cardiovascular disease and other health conditions. It's time we maximized the information we have in order to benefit the individual's overall well-being."

Finding a hearing provider near you

If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, it’s a great time to check in with both a hearing specialist and your primary care provider.

A hearing test can give you helpful answers about the severity of your hearing loss, and your doctor can make sure your overall health, including your heart health, is in good shape. Taking small steps now can make a big difference in your long-term wellbeing.

If you don't have a hearing provider, check out our directory to find a qualified provider in your area.

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