Surfer’s Ear in Neanderthals
February 12, 2025
Hearing loss is a growing concern, particularly as the global population ages. While many people attribute hearing decline solely to aging or noise exposure, emerging research suggests that cardiovascular health plays a significant role in auditory function. The relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hearing loss has been the subject of increasing study, revealing a compelling connection between the two. For those in the audiology field, particularly at The Audiology Place, these findings have profound implications for patient care, early intervention, and preventative health measures.
Understanding the Cardiovascular-Hearing Connection
A strong cardiovascular system is crucial for maintaining good hearing. The cochlea, the inner ear structure responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals for the brain, relies on a rich network of tiny blood vessels to function properly. Reduced blood flow or vascular damage—often linked to cardiovascular disease—can lead to oxygen deprivation in the cochlea, causing auditory deterioration. Research confirms that cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease, increase the likelihood of hearing loss (Friedland et al., 2009).
The Impact of Cardiovascular Disease on Hearing Loss
A landmark study by Wattamwar et al. (2018) examined individuals aged 80 and older and found that cardiovascular conditions—including coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, and stroke—were associated with significantly worse hearing thresholds. Coronary artery disease (CAD) had the strongest correlation with hearing loss, affecting both low and high frequencies. Individuals with at least one cardiovascular condition experienced an accelerated decline in their hearing ability, particularly in the low frequencies. This suggests that low-frequency hearing loss could serve as an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease.
The Framingham Study, a well-known cardiovascular health investigation, found a significant association between low-frequency hearing loss and several cardiovascular risk factors, including intracranial vascular pathology, peripheral vascular disease, and coronary artery disease. The study concluded that low-frequency hearing loss could be a marker indicating the presence or potential development of cardiovascular disease, further promoting the hearing-heart connection (Chang et al., 2020).
Hearing Loss, Cognitive Decline, and Quality of Life
Untreated hearing loss does not only affect communication; it is also linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. Several studies highlight how hearing impairment may accelerate brain atrophy, contribute to social isolation, and exacerbate depression and anxiety. Given that cardiovascular disease is also a major risk factor for cognitive decline, individuals with both CVD and hearing loss may face even greater neurodegenerative risks Baiduc et al., 2023).
A holistic approach to healthcare—addressing both cardiovascular and auditory health—may help mitigate these risks. Managing hypertension, controlling blood sugar levels, adopting a heart-healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise can not only reduce cardiovascular risk but may also slow down hearing deterioration.
The Role of Tinnitus in Cardiovascular Health
Pulsatile tinnitus—a rhythmic, heartbeat-like sound in the ears—is another auditory condition associated with cardiovascular health. Unlike standard tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus often stems from vascular issues such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, or abnormalities in major blood vessels near the ear. The Mayo Clinic advises that individuals experiencing pulsatile tinnitus undergo cardiovascular screening, as it may be a warning sign of an underlying vascular disorder (Mayo Clinic, 2016).
What Patients at The Audiology Place Need to Know
Given these findings, The Audiology Place emphasises the importance of proactive hearing health as part of an overall wellness plan. If you have cardiovascular disease or are at risk for heart problems, consider regular hearing evaluations to monitor and address any early signs of hearing loss.
How You Can Protect Your Hearing and Heart Health
Ensure you have your yearly hearing tests as a part of your yearly medical check-up. This is especially important if you have diagnosed cardiovascular disease. It is then extremely important to track changes in auditory function. Early detection of low-frequency hearing loss may prompt further cardiovascular screening, which has the potential to catch heart disease early.
Maintaining a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and engaging in regular physical activity to improve circulation and overall cardiovascular health, is important for all of us as we age. We need to ensure that we control our blood pressure and cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes and prescribed medications.
It is also important to be aware of tinnitus symptoms. If you experience pulsatile tinnitus, consult both an audiologist and a cardiologist to rule out potential cardiovascular concerns.
Quit Smoking and Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Smoking restricts blood flow to the inner ear and exacerbates both hearing loss and heart disease risk. Excessive alcohol consumption has also been linked to high blood pressure, which can contribute to auditory and cardiovascular issues.
The growing body of research linking cardiovascular health and hearing loss highlights the importance of integrating audiology with overall wellness strategies. At The Audiology Place, we recognise that hearing health is deeply connected to heart health, cognitive function, and overall well-being. By incorporating cardiovascular considerations into hearing assessments, educating our patients, and advocating for early intervention, we can help individuals maintain their hearing and heart health for years to come.
If you have cardiovascular concerns or are experiencing hearing loss, schedule an appointment with The Audiology Place today—your heart and ears will thank you.
References
Alessio, H. M., Hutchinson, K. M., Price, A. L., Reinart, L., & Sautman, M. J. (2002). Cardiovascular fitness associated with greater hearing acuity. The Hearing Journal, 55, 32–40
Arnold, A. M., Pasty, B. M., Kuller, L. H., Burke, G. L., Manolio, T. A., & Fried, L. P. (2005). Incidence of cardiovascular disease in older Americans: The Cardiovascular Health Study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 53, 211–218.
Baiduc, R.R., Sun, J.W., Berry, C.M. et al. Relationship of cardiovascular disease risk and hearing loss in a clinical population. Sci Rep 13, 1642 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-28599-9
Chang Y-S, Park S, Lee MK, Rah YC, Choi J. Framingham risk score is associated with hearing outcomes in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 2020;134(5):419-423. doi:10.1017/S0022215120000997
Friedland, D. R., Cederberg, C., & Tarima, S. (2009). Audiometric pattern as a predictor of cardiovascular status: Development of a model for assessment of risk. Laryngoscope, 119, 473–486.
Hutchinson, K. M., Alessio, H. M., Hoppes, S., Gruner, A., Sanker, A., Ambrose, J., & Rudge, S. (2000). Effects of cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength on hearing sensitivity. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 14, 302–309.
Jin, X., Xu, X., Wang, J., Liu, X., Deng, H., Xie, H. (2025) Association between hypertension and hearing loss: a systemic review and meta-analysis, Frontiers in Neurology, 10.3389/fneur.2024.1470997
Mayo Clinic. (2016). Tinnitus. (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/dxc-20180362).
Torre, P., III, Cruickshanks, K., Klein, B., Klein, R., & Nondahl, D. (2005). The association between cardiovascular disease and cochlear function in older adults. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 48, 473–481.
Wattamwar, K., Qian, Z. J., Otter, J., Leskowitz, M. J., Caruana, F. F., Siedlecki, B., Spitzer, J. B., & Lalwani, A. K. (2018). Association of Cardiovascular Comorbidities With Hearing Loss in the Older Old. JAMA otolaryngology– head & neck surgery, 144(7), 623–629. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2018.0643
