It’s no surprise that our body’s overall health can affect our hearing systems. The ear is a phenomenal structure that is responsible for transmitting and transducing sound nearly instantaneously and relaying that information to our brain for processing and cognition. Within the ear, there are thousands of nerve endings and blood vessels. If our nerves and blood vessels are under stress we can cause significant damage on our hearing system. Lack of sleep or common sleep disorders can have adverse effects on our hearing. Individuals who consistently struggle sleeping or suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea may have several other health risks to watch out for as well.
Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder that affects 1 in 5 adults. It causes their breathing to pause during sleep. In 2012, a study in Taiwan showed there were 3,200 reported cases of sudden hearing loss with 240 of their patients who were suffering from sleep apnea before experiencing hearing loss.
Similar to sudden hearing loss, sleep apnea is related to obesity and heart disease. Inflammation and change in blood vessels linked to sleep apnea could increase the risk of sudden hearing loss. The results published in Archives of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery showed that men who had experienced sudden hearing loss were 48% more likely to have previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea. This shows a clear link between the two disorders. Similar to hearing loss, sleep apnea is treatable.
Insomnia is a common problem in adults. It is a subjective feeling of having difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep. Furthermore, poor overall sleep quality increases by association. Individuals who suffer from insomnia are subject to many of the same side effects that individuals with sleep apnea endure. Common side effects are exhaustion and sluggishness. Moreso, individuals who suffer from sleep disorders have an increased chance of developing side effects like depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and obesity. Insomnia and Sleep apnea can have negative impacts on your hearing health, leading to hearing loss and worsening tinnitus symptoms.
Sleep disorders are commonly associated with obesity and high blood pressure. There is a large link with inflammation and how it affects our inner ear. Inflammation of the blood vessels and arteries usually leads to damage of the lining within blood vessels and arteries. This causes narrowing and restriction or blockage of the blood flow resulting in tissue destruction and damage in those areas. Disturbances in circulation can lead to a variety of problems, including dizziness, hearing loss or tinnitus. When our foot falls asleep, we experience “pins and needles” when weight is put on it. That sensation dissipates as regular blood flow restores. The ear is a sensory organ that requires constant blood flow to work properly. Therefore, if blood flow is disturbed for long periods of time from conditions such as obesity and heart disease, it can have long term effects on our hearing.
It’s important to talk to your doctor about any sleep disorders or hearing loss you may be experiencing. If you are experiencing hearing loss or tinnitus, schedule an appointment with one of our hearing care professionals to find the best course of treatment.
References:
Sheu, J., Wu, C., & LIN, H. (2012). Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing LossA Population-Based Case-Control Study. Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 138(1), 55. doi:10.1001/archoto.2011.227
*Photo courtesy of Phonak Lyric – a very unique hearing aid that can be worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even while you sleep.
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*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and certain ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device.
The following Signia product families are compatible with this accessory.
The following Signia product families are compatible with this accessory.
The myHearing app works for all Andoid smartphones (Android 4.4 and newer) and iPhones (iOS version 8 and newer).
Full live remote tuning was tested and works best with the following devices:
• Google Nexus 6P (Android 7.1.1 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S8 – SM-G950F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S8 (USA) – SM-G950U (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 – SM-G930F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 (USA) – SM-G930V (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge – SM-G935F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 – SM-920I (Android 6.0.1 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge – SM-G925F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S5 – SM-G900F (Android 6.0.1 or higher)
The functionality of myControl App was tested and works best with the following Android devices:
• Google Nexus 6P (Android 7.1.1 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S8 – SM-G950F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S8 (USA) – SM-G950U (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 – SM-G930F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 (USA) – SM-G930V (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge – SM-G935F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 – SM-920I (Android 6.0.1 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge – SM-G925F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S5 – SM-G900F (Android 6.0.1 or higher)
This app can be used with any hearing aids as a guide for your first fit. The following Signia product families offer full conferencing with your professional as well as access to the full range of programming adjustments.
The following Signia product families offer a more limited range of fine tuning adjustments.
The following Signia product families are compatible with this accessory.
The following Signia product families are compatible with this accessory.
The following Widex product families are compatible with this accessory.
*Please note that the mini CIC’s are not wireless and will not function with these devices.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and certain ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device. Not compatible with the Audeo B-Direct.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and certain ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device. Not compatible with the Audeo B-Direct or the Audeo Q-10 products.
*Please note that the Audeo B-Direct, Virto B-Ti, or the Virto nano IIC are not compatible with this product.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and certain ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device. Not compatible with the Audeo B-Direct or the Audeo Q-10 products.
The following ReSound product families are compatible with this accessory.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and certain MIH and ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device.
The following ReSound product families are compatible with this accessory.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and many ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device.
The following ReSound product families are compatible with this accessory.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and many ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device.
RC-DEX is designed for basic and easy wireless remote control of your hearing aids.