6th August 2015

Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of permanent hearing loss

Hey, we all know that quitting the smokes is good for your health, but did you know that it will be good for your hearing?

I think we are all aware of the health benefits we can expect when we quit smoking. However, did you know it will also be good for your hearing? Smokers have a higher incidence of temporary hearing loss from upper respiratory illnesse. However, they also have a higher incidence of permanent hearing loss.

Whats The Cause?

We know that there is a clear link between smoking and increased risk of hearing loss. However, we are not sure about the exact mechanism of it. There are several theories to explain why smokers are at higher risk and I would like to explain them. The first possibility is hypoxia or lack of oxygen. The cochlea (inner ear) is an amazing structure, but like all organs it needs to be bathed in well oxygenated blood to continue to function well.

If the amount of oxygen reaching the cochlea is inadequate, damage will result. This is the main reason that higher incidence of hearing loss is also associated with cardiovascular disease. Nicotine and carbon monoxide from cigarettes may ‘suffocate’ the cochlea, interfering with normal fluid production and blood supply, resulting in damage to the structures and irreversible hearing loss.

Confusing The Messengers

A second theory relates to the interaction between nicotine and neurotransmitters in the auditory nerve. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that tell the brain what is happening along the auditory nerve. It is thought that nicotine may impair information transfer between the cochlea and the auditory brain centre. In essence the messengers are no longer carrying the message properly and you don't hear so well.  

Early Starters

A third theory relates to smoking in the early teens. Studies show that function of the auditory nerve is not fully developed until the late teens. These nerve pathways are especially vulnerable if environmental toxins like nicotine are introduced during childhood years. So tobacco use in your teenage years increases the risk of, and the degree of damage to your hearing over the years.

You know that kicking the habit is good for your health, will make you fitter and help you avoid chronic illness. Your hearing is just one more good reason to kick the habit!