Hearing Loss Affected by Smoking

February 21, 2019

We have all heard that smoking is “bad” for your health. It should come as no surprise that there are a number of health issues linked to smoking. Well, one more bit of bad news for smokers is that hearing can also be affected by the choice to smoke.  

Science Daily, a source of research news, cites a study of over 50,000 participants over eight years which indicates that smokers are at greater risk for hearing loss.*  The study in Nicotine & Tobacco Research (published by Oxford University Press) had researchers analyze data from each participant’s annual health checkup including audio testing and lifestyle questions.

"With a large sample size, long follow-up period, and objective assessment of hearing loss, our study provides strong evidence that smoking is an independent risk factor of hearing loss," said the study's lead author Dr. Huanhuan Hu of Japan's National Center for Global Health and Medicine. 

The study indicated a higher frequency loss was greater than a low-frequency loss, but both frequency areas had loss as cigarette consumption increased.  Luckily, the study also noted that after stopping smoking for five years, the increased risks of hearing loss associated with smoking decreased.

The Listening Stack strives for “an enhanced expression of sound as it relates to you individually.” We are here to help smokers and non-smokers – call us soon for an appointment.

*Oxford University Press USA. "Smokers at greater risk of hearing loss." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 14 March 2018.   www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/03/180314092317.htm

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