Insomnia Increases the Chances of Hearing Loss

Our body is a miraculous thing that is capable of multiple feats when we take good care of it. Like any other machine, it too requires sufficient amounts of rest in order to recharge and function optimally. This is why getting an adequate amount of sleep is extremely necessary. Insomnia results in several physiological problems such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, as well as hearing loss.

Reduced cardiovascular health can cause hearing loss. Blood circulation also depends majorly on sleep, and lack of sleep can lead to poor blood circulation within your heart, which lowers the supple of blood to the ears, resulting in hearing loss.

The delicate hair follicles within your ears are largely dependent on oxygen-enriched blood that flows to the ears. This oxygenated blood becomes weaker in supply due to lack of sleep, which can damage the hair follicles within the ears, causing loss of hearing.

Sleep apnea is yet another health condition that can result in hearing loss. Around 43% of people in America suffer from sleep apnea, making it a rising problem and a major threat to hearing. Sleep apnea also causes poor blood circulation which can lead to hearing damage, similar to the reasons mentioned above.

Lack of sleep has also been known to increase tinnitus, which results in a ringing or buzzing sensation within the ears in the absence of any external auditory stimuli. Unfortunately, insomnia often leads to a vicious cycle of tinnitus, where you experience more tinnitus due to lack of sleep, and the increased tinnitus will not let you sleep!

Tinnitus is often a symptom of hearing loss, so talk to your doctor if you experience any of the conditions mentioned above. Taking good care of your hearing is essential in maintaining your overall physiological and psychological health.