Ear to Heart, Live Smart

Let’s talk systems. Our homes are powered by electrical systems, cars are driven on highway systems, and as consumers, we navigate the healthcare system. Systems-thinking provides a broader view of how specific events fit into overall structures, patterns and cycles. Consider the 5 Ws: Who, what, where, when and why?

With all its complexity, the human body is amazing in how its functional systems are intertwined. The fact is, healthcare providers devote years and careers to learning how the 5 Ws influence evidence-based treatment decisions. If this, literally, is their life’s work, then how can our personalized plans of care benefit from more systemic learning?

We know our respiratory, musculoskeletal and digestive systems are essential to good health. With respect to hearing function, the nervous/sensory system is integral to communication between and coordination of all our body systems, including brain, nerves, eyes and ears. Closely related is the cardiovascular/circulatory system responsible for blood flows, head to toe, from our heart via an extensive network of arteries and veins.

Guided by this functional knowledge, we discover how our sensory and circulatory systems are interrelated. In our circle of life, do we realize how prevalent heart disease is and its potential relationship to different types of hearing loss?

With approximately 655,000 people dying annually of heart disease in the U.S., 1 person every 36 seconds and an estimated 18 million globally, dangerous trends are not favorable. In response, what healthy steps can we each take? The American Heart Association suggests many practical things those with this prevalent disease can do to prevent or delay it including exercising frequently, controlling blood pressure, eating a nutritious diet and not smoking. To learn more about Healthy Living and Be Well, please explore these useful resources:

With healthy living and hearing goals in mind, Did You Know …
your ears can be a “Window to your Heart?”

Research indicates some types of hearing loss, such as low-frequency, should be considered risk factors systemically associated with heart disease and strokes. Evidently, our inner ear’s sensitivity to blood flow as well as vessel trauma may enable hearing loss to be an early indicator of and screening test for heart problems.

As stated: “A significant association was found between low-frequency hearing loss and cardiovascular disease and risk factors.” ¹

While studies show good blood flow circulation is vital to healthy hearing, the lack of it may damage delicate hair cells in our cochlea, which translates noises in our ear into electrical impulses that our brain can recognize as everyday sounds. Simply stated, healthier blood flow can help sustain better hearing, while hearing challenges can be an early warning system for cardiovascular issues.

¹ Friedland DR, Cederberg C, Tarima S. Audiometric pattern as a predictor of cardiovascular status: development of a model for assessment of risk. Laryngoscope. 2009;119(3):473-86.

While we take your hearing care seriously, a little laughter goes a long way.

Good Humor, Healthy Hearing

With all the daily challenges associated with having heart disease or taking care of someone who does, the ability to communicate effectively is essential. In addition, those who don’t hear well may become more socially isolated in stressful ways that are not heart-healthy.

Do you have heart disease or a family history which increases your risk of heart disease-related hearing loss? Please see us for periodic evaluations to accurately assess your type and degree of hearing loss. In close coordination with your other healthcare providers, we will suggest healthy options to improve your quality of life and awareness of hearing-related cardiovascular risk factors. Ear to Heart, Live Smart.

Our Patients Say It Best

“Very pleased with my hearing aids. I had a problem with one of them. They made repairs and got it back to me quickly.”

— Ken C.