Hearing loss and Arthritis

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and our senses are not spared. Two common age-related conditions are arthritis and hearing loss. While these conditions may seem unrelated, there is a strong correlation between them.

In this article, we will explore the connection between arthritis and hearing loss and the importance of having your hearing tested every year.

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. It is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. There are many types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack its own joints.

Hearing loss, on the other hand, is a condition that affects the ability to hear. It can range from mild to severe and can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, noise exposure, and aging. In fact, age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, affects about one in three people over the age of 65.

The connection between arthritis and hearing loss

So, what is the connection between arthritis and hearing loss? Recent research has shown that there is a strong correlation between the two conditions. One study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis were more likely to have hearing loss than those without the condition. Another study found that people with osteoarthritis were more likely to have hearing loss in one ear than in the other.

The exact mechanism behind this correlation is not fully understood, but it is thought that the inflammation and damage caused by arthritis may also affect the blood vessels and nerves in the ear, leading to hearing loss.

How to protect your hearing if you have arthritis?

So, what can you do to protect your hearing if you have arthritis? First and foremost, it is important to have your hearing tested every year. This will allow your audiologist to detect any changes in your hearing and recommend appropriate treatment if necessary.

At Audiology Island, Dr. Fulman and Dr. Shapiro are dedicated to providing comprehensive hearing care to patients of all ages. They use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest techniques to diagnose and treat hearing loss, and they offer a wide range of hearing aids and assistive devices to help patients hear better.

In addition to having your hearing tested regularly, there are other steps you can take to protect your hearing if you have arthritis. These include:

• Avoiding exposure to loud noises, such as concerts or power tools.
• Wearing ear protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, when you are exposed to loud noises.
• Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, which may help protect your ears from damage.
• Managing your arthritis symptoms through medication, exercise, and other therapies to reduce inflammation and protect your joints.

In conclusion, there is a strong correlation between arthritis and hearing loss, and it is important to have your hearing tested every year if you have arthritis. At Audiology Island, Dr. Fulman and Dr. Shapiro can provide comprehensive hearing care and recommend appropriate treatment to help you hear better and protect your hearing for years to come.