IN THE NEWS
The Connection Between Gut Health and Hearing Loss
By: Kristen Weinbaum, Au.D.
Want to keep your hearing in good shape? A recent study found that taking care of your gut might help!
Researchers looked at studies from 1995 to 2021 that talked about how the health of your gut is connected to your inner ear. This connection is called the “gut-inner ear axis.” They also studied how an imbalance in the gut can cause hearing loss, especially the type called sensorineural hearing loss.
What is Gut Dysbiosis?
Gut dysbiosis happens when the balance of bacteria in your stomach is off. Normally, your gut has a mix of helpful and harmful bacteria. When something like a poor diet or medicine messes up this balance, it can cause problems. This imbalance can lead to serious health issues, like mental health problems or diseases like Alzheimer’s.
How Can Gut Dysbiosis Affect Hearing?
The study shows that when you have gut dysbiosis, especially from eating too much fat, it can cause hearing loss. Here’s how it works:
- Gut dysbiosis can harm the stomach lining and cause what’s called a “leaky gut.”
- A leaky gut lets bad bacteria and toxins get into your bloodstream, causing inflammation all over your body.
- These toxins and harmful substances can reach your inner ear and damage the barrier that protects it.
- If this barrier is damaged, toxins can get into the inner ear and cause swelling in the cochlea, an organ that helps you hear. This swelling can eventually lead to hearing loss.
What Can You Do?
To help prevent gut dysbiosis and possibly reduce the risk of hearing loss, it’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
If you’re concerned you or someone you care about may have a hearing loss, call Precision Hearing at (352) 404-5671 today to schedule an appointment.
1 Kociszewska, D. (2021). The link between gut dysbiosis caused by a high-fat diet and hearing loss. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8708400/#sec5-ijms-22-13177
June is Men’s Health Month, a perfect time to raise awareness about a common but often overlooked issue many men face: hearing loss. Research shows that men are twice as likely as women to have hearing loss.
Why The Difference Between the Sexes?
Hearing loss is more common in men partly because they are often exposed to loud noises in their workplaces—such as construction, manufacturing, or military settings—and through recreational activities like hunting, motorcycling, or using power tools. Over time, this prolonged exposure to high decibel levels can lead to noise-induced hearing loss.
Fortunately, noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. During loud occupational or recreational activities, everyone, including men, should consistently wear hearing protection to prevent hearing damage.
Chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease—all of which are more common in men—can also contribute to hearing problems. Additionally, certain medications and lifestyle habits, like smoking, can increase the risk of hearing damage.
Why Men Often Avoid Help
Studies show that men are less likely to seek help for health issues, and hearing loss is no exception. Many view it as a sign of aging or weakness and avoid getting their hearing tested. But untreated hearing loss can lead to frustration, strained relationships, and even depression and cognitive decline. When hearing loss is addressed and treated, most people experience improved relationships, enhanced work performance, more self-confidence, and a better overall quality of life.
Taking Action
Addressing hearing loss early can make a big difference. So how can men take charge of their hearing?
- Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar under control.
- Use hearing protection whenever exposed to loud noise.
- Consider hearing aids: Modern hearing aids are small, discreet, and effective—far from the bulky devices of the past.
Final Thoughts
Men’s Health Month is the perfect time to start paying attention to your hearing. It’s not just about hearing better—it’s about living better. Don’t let pride or fear stand in the way of something that can improve your quality of life. Early action can make all the difference. Contact Precision Hearing at (352) 404-5671 to schedule an appointment for a hearing evaluation.
Dr. Kristen Weinbaum of Precision Hearing is interviewed in an Over The Counter Hearing Aid story by Channel 6 News.
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