Hypothyroidism & Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is linked to a lot of health concerns, and if you suffer from heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, you face a higher risk of heart disease. Did you know that smoking and your diet also have an effect on your ears? Another condition that has been linked to hearing loss is hypothyroidism.
What Is the Thyroid?
The thyroid is an important gland that’s responsible for a lot of vital functions. It is in your neck just below your Adam’s apple, in the front of your throat. It has two lobes on either side of the windpipe, connected by a bridge. If your thyroid is swollen, you can feel these two lobes on either side of your neck. The thyroid’s main job is to produce and regulate hormones that manage your vital functions. This includes your breathing and heartrate, your metabolism and digestion, and your muscle control. The hormones of the thyroid also affect your brain and your mood, and have an impact on your hearing.
The Main Thyroid Diseases
There are several diseases that affect the thyroid, and nearly 20 million Americans have a thyroid disease. Some of the most common thyroid diseases are:
- Thyroiditis: This is an inflammation of the thyroid caused by a viral infection. For some people it can be a very painful condition, but others may not have any symptoms at all, or attribute their symptoms to some other illness or flu.
- Goiter: This is a swelling of the thyroid that can impact your ability to swallow, or even interfere with your breathing.
- Hyperthyroidism: When your thyroid is over-active and produces and releases too much of the thyroxine hormone you have hyperthyroidism, and you’ll experience a rapid heartrate, weight loss, excessive sweating, and may suffer from anxiety, nervousness, irritability, or tremors.
- Hypothyroidism: This is characterized by an under-active thyroid, and a low production of the thyroxine hormone. It can often be caused by an autoimmune disorder.
The Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
The symptoms of a thyroid disease can seem very random, and are often attributed to other conditions. Problems with the thyroid can lead to changes in weight, fatigue, painful headaches, and heart irregularities.
Hypothyroidism is caused by a slowing of the thyroid, so the symptoms point to this lack of the thyroxine hormone. If you have hypothyroidism, you’re likely to experience fatigue, lower energy, depression, and forgetfulness. You’re also more prone to weight gain due to a slower metabolism. Other symptoms include weakness, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, and muscle cramps.
What is the Link Between Hypothyroidism and Hearing Loss?
Hypothyroidism can affect hearing health, and researchers have found that half of those who have a thyroid disease also face hearing loss. When the thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones and metabolism slows, the body isn’t able to function at 100%. Many parts of the body slow down, including the heart, the brain, and the ears. With the heart function compromised, the brain isn’t receiving the optimal amount of oxygen-rich blood. And a smaller part of the body, such as the ears, is even more impacted.
When your ears don’t receive a steady stream of healthy blood, the cells in the ear can be damaged, or even die. This leads to reduced hearing function and hearing loss. When the auditory centers of the brain aren’t fully oxygenated, you will have more trouble interpreting sounds. If you have hypothyroidism, you’re also far more likely to suffer tinnitus or vertigo, and struggle to keep your balance.
Get Your Hearing Tested
Do you have a thyroid disease? Ask your doctor about your symptoms, and seek treatment if your thyroid isn’t functioning properly. Treating hypothyroidism is very effective, and taking an oral medication that restores normal levels of the thyroxine hormone can relieve the symptoms of the disease, improve your energy levels and metabolism, regulate your heart, and increase blood flow to all parts of your body.
Do you have hearing loss? Whether your hearing loss is from a thyroid disease or from some other cause, find a hearing professional through Fit Hearing Audiology Network for a hearing test. We’ll test your ability to hear both high- and low-pitched sounds, and find out exactly what sounds you struggle to hear. Our team of hearing health specialists will work with you to find the perfect hearing aids that will help you hear in every situation, and give you back your hearing and your confidence.
