Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bones to become weak and brittle. It can cause back pain, and poor posture and increase your risk for bone fractures. Research has also linked osteoporosis to an increased risk of hearing loss.
Data Shows Osteoporosis Increases Hearing Loss Risk 
A 2015 study examined the risk of hearing loss in people with osteoporosis by looking at data from thousands of patients during a ten-year period. Researchers found that patients with osteoporosis had 1.76 times the risk of developing hearing loss than patients without osteoporosis.
An additional study evaluating hearing function in patients with osteoporosis found that those with the condition showed a higher incidence of sensorineural hearing loss than those with normal bone density.
How Osteoporosis Affects Hearing
It’s believed that osteoporosis increases hearing loss risk by weakening the tiny bones that are located in the cochlea, located in the inner ear. These bones help protect the nerves and structures involved in hearing function. When they become weak and/or damaged, your hearing can be affected.
Having Osteoporosis and Hearing Loss May Increase Injury Risk
People with hearing loss are more likely to experience balance issues, which makes them prone to falls. Those with osteoporosis are more likely to suffer from bone fractures. This means that if you have both conditions, you may be at a greater risk of serious injury from falls. This is why it becomes vital to treat your hearing loss as soon as possible to reduce your chances of injury.
Schedule a Hearing Test Today
If you have osteoporosis or know you are at a higher risk of developing the condition, it’s important to keep an eye out for the early signs of hearing loss. These include:
- Feeling like people are mumbling or frequently having to ask people to repeat themselves
- Struggling to follow conversations in busy places with background noise, like Pioneer Place
- Needing the volume up louder when you watch TV or listen to music
- Have trouble understanding phone conversations
If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment for a hearing test. They can provide fast, accurate insight into the severity of your hearing loss.
In most cases, your audiologist will likely recommend hearing aids to help restore your hearing ability and keep you feeling connected to the world around you.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Mt. Hood ENT & Allergy today.