And certain factors that mess with the ability to properly hear may take some people by surprise, including an item many reach for regularly.<\/p>\n
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Hearing loss isn\u2019t always due to age or loud noises, and one expert shares four surprising factors that affect hearing. Iona \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n
While it may seem like an issue to deal with if and when it happens, hearing loss can affect your health<\/a> in several ways by causing feelings of social isolation, depression, anxiety and loss of confidence.<\/p>\n However, it turns out our health can also affect how well we hear, according to Nick Andresen, a neurotologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.<\/p>\n \u201cHearing loss is not always caused by aging or obvious noise exposure,\u201d Andresen told The Post. \u201cNoise exposure is one of the best-known causes, but it is only part of the picture.\u201d<\/p>\n Beyond loud sounds, factors like lifestyle habits, medical conditions, infections and even some medications may also contribute to hearing loss.<\/p>\n 1. Smoking<\/p>\n Despite its increasing popularity<\/a>, the health risks of smoking are well and thoroughly documented.<\/p>\n And now, hearing loss can be added to the list, as lighting up not only increases the risk, but more exposure to cigarettes is associated with more severe loss.<\/p>\n \u201cThe exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it may involve reduced oxygen delivery to the inner ear and damage from toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke,\u201d Andresen explained.<\/p>\n Quitting may reduce or even potentially reverse some of the risk.<\/p>\n 2. High blood pressure<\/p>\n While more modest of an effect than other risk factors, having high blood pressure may also affect your ears.<\/p>\n High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels and hair cells<\/a>, which convert vibrations into nerve signals, in the inner ear.<\/p>\n Reduced blood flow also decreases the amount delivered to the cochlea, the hearing organ of the inner ear, which can lead to either gradual or sudden hearing loss.<\/p>\n 3. NSAIDS<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/young-man-hearing-problems-hearing-143747809.jpg\")
Like many lifestyle choices, smoking is one risk factor for hearing loss, although it\u2019s not fully understood how. Creative Cat Studio \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n