Research continues to highlight the connection between heart disease and hearing loss, with several studies indicating that poor cardiovascular health can negatively affect hearing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States, resulting in nearly 610,000 deaths each year.
Sergei Kochkin, PhD, a hearing industry market researcher and former Executive Director of the Better Hearing Institute, stated: "An alarming number of Americans don’t understand how serious the threat of heart disease is to them personally, or how closely intertwined it is with other health conditions, such as hearing health. We urge women and men alike to know their risks and to take action today to protect their heart and hearing health.”
Research has established a clear link between hearing loss and cardiovascular health. Proper blood flow is essential for maintaining healthy hair cells in the cochlea, which are necessary for normal hearing. Damage caused by poor circulation can result in permanent hearing loss because these hair cells do not regenerate.
A review conducted in 2024 analyzed ten studies and found that individuals with hearing loss had a higher risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, or any type of cardiovascular disease compared to those with normal hearing. Similarly, a 2017 analysis involving over 5,000 Australians identified a strong association between heart disease risk factors—such as high blood pressure—and an increased likelihood of developing hearing loss.
Certain vascular issues related to heart conditions can also lead to pulsatile tinnitus—a form of ringing in the ears that coincides with heartbeat sounds. Experts recommend consulting healthcare providers if this symptom occurs since it may indicate changes in circulatory or cardiac health.
Some medications prescribed for high blood pressure have been linked to tinnitus as well. Patients experiencing persistent ringing after starting new medication should discuss alternative treatments with their doctors.
Strokes that impact areas of the brain responsible for auditory processing can result in lasting changes such as difficulty recognizing spoken words or even auditory hallucinations. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) has also been associated with an increased risk of stroke within subsequent years; temporary disruptions in blood flow are considered one possible cause.
While damage from heart-related causes is often permanent, adopting a healthier lifestyle may help reduce future risk or preserve remaining hearing ability. Recommendations include regular exercise; consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats; limiting sodium and sugar intake; avoiding smoking; managing stress; keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control; maintaining a healthy weight; and having routine medical checkups.
Physical activity appears particularly beneficial: A study at Miami University followed 102 non-smoking adults aged 22-78 from Indiana and Ohio who underwent hearing evaluations after cycling on stationary bikes. Results showed those with higher cardiovascular fitness had better overall hearing acuity—especially among participants aged 50 or older.
Charles E. Bishop, AuD, Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center's Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences commented: "Hearing health should not be assessed in a vacuum," adding: "There is simply too much evidence that hearing loss is related to cardiovascular disease and other health conditions. It's time we maximized the information we have in order to benefit the individual's overall well-being."
Individuals noticing changes in their hearing are encouraged to consult both audiologists and primary care physicians for comprehensive evaluation.
For those seeking assistance locating qualified professionals locally, Healthy Hearing offers an online directory designed to connect patients with nearby providers.
