Did you know that there are diseases that can increase a person’s chances of developing hearing loss? Osteoporosis is a condition that can affect a person at any age, man or woman, and may be considered to be a lesser-known illness, even though it can be a major threat to your body, and as studies have found, to your hearing. When a person has osteoporosis, their bones become fragile and brittle, usually due to a drop in the body’s estrogen levels, which helps build and maintain your bones. One 2105 study that was carried out by Dr. Kai-Jen Tien of the Chi Mei Medical Center in Taiwan found a link between osteoporosis and hearing loss.
Osteoporosis is considered to be a common metabolic disorder that causes changes in a person’s bone structure, making them weak and brittle. There are three bones in the middle ear that can be damaged by osteoporosis, resulting in the development of hearing loss. Dr. Tien’s study, which was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, discovered that by studying 10,660 cases of osteoporosis that those with this condition were 76% more likely to experience hearing loss compared to those without osteoporosis. It was also found that patients with severe osteoporosis had a higher risk of sudden hearing loss than those who were experiencing a more mild form of bone disease. However, while this study showed a correlation between osteoporosis and hearing loss, it is still not conclusive if early detection and treatment can help reduce the risk of hearing loss.
If you have osteoporosis or suspect that you have this condition, and are experiencing impaired hearing, be sure to see a doctor. Making an appointment with your local audiologist can help you determine if your hearing has been compromised, and if so, your doctor can help you determine the best course of action to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Osteoporosis causes bones to become fragile and brittle, including the three small bones in the middle ear that are essential for hearing. Damage to these bones from osteoporosis can lead to hearing loss, as demonstrated by studies showing a higher incidence of hearing loss in individuals with osteoporosis.
The 2015 study by Dr. Kai-Jen Tien found that individuals with osteoporosis were 76% more likely to experience hearing loss compared to those without the condition. The study also found that patients with severe osteoporosis had a higher risk of sudden hearing loss than those with milder forms of the disease.
While the study identified a correlation between osteoporosis and hearing loss, it is not yet conclusive whether early detection and treatment of osteoporosis can reduce the risk of hearing loss. More research is needed to confirm if managing osteoporosis can protect hearing.
Hearing loss related to osteoporosis may present as a gradual or sudden reduction in hearing ability, potentially caused by damage to the middle ear bones. If you have osteoporosis and notice impaired hearing, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.
Anyone with osteoporosis is potentially at risk, but the risk is higher in those with severe osteoporosis. Since osteoporosis affects bone strength, individuals, especially postmenopausal women or others with low estrogen levels, should be mindful of their hearing health.
If you have osteoporosis and experience hearing difficulties, you should see a doctor or audiologist promptly. A hearing specialist can assess the extent of hearing loss and recommend appropriate treatment or management strategies.
