Key Takeaways

• Heart disease and hearing loss are closely connected; cardiovascular problems can damage the delicate blood vessels in your inner ear.
• Research shows that people with cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are at significantly higher risk for hearing loss.
• Protecting your heart through healthy eating, exercise, and managing health conditions may also protect your hearing.
• The Mediterranean diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids for heart health, and antioxidants support both heart and hearing health.
• Small lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, staying active, and eating heart-healthy foods can benefit your cardiovascular and auditory systems.

February is American Heart Month, a time when the nation focuses on cardiovascular health and the steps we can all take to protect our hearts. This important observance began in 1964 when President Lyndon B. Johnson, himself a heart attack survivor, issued the first proclamation to spotlight heart disease as a national health concern. For over 60 years, every U.S. president has continued this tradition each February.

For seniors, American Heart Month carries special significance. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for older adults, claiming 1 in every 5 lives in the United States. While most of us know that heart health affects our energy, mobility, and overall well-being, many don’t realize that cardiovascular health also plays a surprising role in another vital sense: our hearing. Understanding how to improve heart health becomes even more critical when you realize that the same strategies protecting your cardiovascular system may also preserve your hearing.

The connection between your heart and your ears might seem unexpected, but growing research shows that what’s good for your heart is often good for your hearing too.

Understanding the Heart and Hearing Connection

Your ears rely on tiny, delicate blood vessels to function properly. The inner ear, particularly a structure called the cochlea, is extremely sensitive to blood flow. In fact, the cochlea is one of the most metabolically active parts of your body, which means it needs a constant, rich supply of oxygen and nutrients delivered through your bloodstream.

This raises an important question: can heart problems cause hearing loss? When your cardiovascular system isn’t working well, those tiny blood vessels in your inner ear can become damaged or blocked. This can result in reduced blood flow to the cochlea, potentially causing hearing loss that cannot be reversed.

Think of it this way: if your heart isn’t pumping blood effectively, or if your blood vessels are narrowed by plaque buildup, your ears suffer right along with the rest of your body.

Can Heart Problems Cause Hearing Loss?

The connection between your heart and your ears might seem unexpected, but if you’ve ever wondered, “Can heart problems cause hearing loss?”, the answer is a definitive yes. Growing research clearly shows that cardiovascular disease and its risk factors are associated with hearing loss.

A 2023 study published in Scientific Reports examined over 6,300 patients and found that 64% of those with cardiovascular risk factors experienced hearing loss, compared to much lower rates in those with better heart health. People with two or more major cardiovascular risk factors had significantly higher odds of hearing loss.

Research from the University of Colorado Boulder revealed that diabetes increases the risk of hearing loss by 43%. The study also found that current smokers had 46% higher odds of hearing loss compared to those who never smoked.

A 2024 study found that people with both hearing and vision problems had a 35% increased risk of cardiovascular disease, while those with hearing loss alone had a 20% increased risk.

Research on adults over 80 years old has also consistently found that those with cardiovascular disease experienced accelerated hearing loss, with coronary artery disease showing the strongest association with hearing problems.

How cardiovascular conditions affect hearing

Several cardiovascular conditions can impact your hearing:

Diabetes affects hearing by damaging the tiny blood vessels in the inner ear through various processes. These processes can harm the structures responsible for maintaining proper ear function.

High blood pressure can damage the delicate blood vessels throughout your body, including those in your ears. Some research suggests this effect may be stronger in men than in women, possibly due to the protective effects of estrogen.

High cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in arteries throughout the body, reducing blood flow to critical areas, including the inner ear.

Coronary artery disease is a marker of widespread vascular problems that likely extend to the cochlear blood vessels, making it one of the strongest predictors of hearing loss.

Smoking harms hearing by damaging blood vessels and reducing oxygen delivery to the inner ear. The good news is that former smokers show lower rates of hearing loss than current smokers, suggesting that quitting can help protect your ears.

How to Improve Heart Health to Protect Your Hearing

The encouraging news is that many of the same steps that protect your heart may also safeguard your hearing. If you’re wondering how to improve heart health while also protecting your ears, here are proven strategies to support both:

Stay physically active

Regular cardio exercise for heart health strengthens your cardiovascular system and improves blood flow throughout your body, including to your ears. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends at least 150 minutes of weekly exercise for seniors, or 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

You don’t need to run marathons. Simple activities like walking, swimming, gardening, or dancing can make a real difference.

Manage chronic conditions

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, working with your doctor to keep these conditions under control is crucial for both your heart and hearing health.

Take prescribed medications as directed, monitor your blood sugar or blood pressure regularly, and attend all scheduled check-ups. Treating underlying cardiovascular disease may help prevent or slow the progression of hearing loss.

Quit smoking

Smoking damages blood vessels throughout your body and significantly increases your risk of both heart disease and hearing loss. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your health.

Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs, medications, or other support that can help you quit successfully.

Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity is linked to both cardiovascular disease and hearing loss. Even modest weight loss can improve your heart health and potentially benefit your hearing.

Focus on sustainable changes rather than extreme diets. Small steps like reducing portion sizes, choosing whole foods over processed options, and increasing daily movement can lead to meaningful improvements over time.

Best Foods for Heart Health and Hearing Protection

What you eat plays a major role in both cardiovascular and auditory health. Understanding the best foods for heart health can help you make smart choices that benefit both your heart and your hearing. The Mediterranean diet, consistently ranked as one of the best eating patterns for heart health, may also support your hearing.

The Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods that naturally support cardiovascular health. A landmark nutritional study found that people following a Mediterranean diet enriched with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts had a 30% lower risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.

This way of eating reduces inflammation, improves cholesterol levels, helps control blood pressure, and supports healthy blood sugar levels. All of these benefits protect the delicate blood vessels in your ears.

Heart-healthy foods to emphasize

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and albacore tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids for heart health. These healthy fats decrease inflammation, reduce blood clotting, and help lower the risk of stroke and heart failure. Aim for at least two servings of fish per week.

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens are packed with potassium, which helps lower blood pressure. They also provide antioxidants that reduce harmful oxidative stress linked to cardiovascular problems.

Berries including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are loaded with antioxidants that protect your heart by reducing inflammation. They’re also high in fiber, which helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Nuts and seeds like walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Walnuts are particularly rich in plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. A small handful makes a perfect heart-healthy snack.

Whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread provide fiber that helps lower cholesterol. The soluble fiber in foods like oats binds to cholesterol in your digestive system, helping remove it from your body.

Olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. Extra virgin olive oil contains monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that support healthy cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation. Use it for cooking and in salad dressings.

Legumes including beans, lentils, and chickpeas are excellent sources of fiber and plant-based protein, both of which help lower cholesterol and support heart health.

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of heart disease.

Avocados provide healthy monounsaturated fats that can help reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol while maintaining “good” HDL cholesterol.

Foods to limit

While knowing the best foods for heart health is important, understanding what to reduce is equally valuable. To protect both your heart and hearing, try to reduce:

• Red meat and processed meats
• Foods high in saturated and trans fats
• Refined carbohydrates and added sugars
• Excess sodium
• Highly processed foods

You don’t have to eliminate these foods completely but making them occasional treats rather than daily staples can significantly benefit your cardiovascular health.

Additional Steps for Heart and Hearing Health

Beyond diet and exercise, consider these strategies:

Schedule regular checkups

Visit your doctor for routine cardiovascular screenings, including blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and diabetes screening. Early detection of heart problems allows for timely intervention that may protect your hearing.

Similarly, don’t skip hearing tests. If you notice changes in your hearing, see an audiologist promptly. Early treatment of hearing loss can improve your quality of life significantly.

Manage stress

Chronic stress takes a toll on your cardiovascular system. Find healthy ways to cope with stress, whether through meditation, deep breathing, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.

Protect your ears from loud noise

While cardiovascular health is important for your hearing, don’t forget about noise protection. Loud noise exposure is another major cause of hearing loss. Wear earplugs or earmuffs when around loud machinery, concerts, or other high-decibel environments.

Stay connected

Isolation and loneliness can negatively impact both mental and physical health, including cardiovascular health. If hearing loss makes social situations difficult, consider using assistive devices like caption phones from ClearCaptions to help you stay connected with family and friends.

Taking Action This American Heart Month

This February, use American Heart Month as motivation to take charge of both your heart and hearing health. Remember that up to 80% of heart disease and strokes can be prevented through lifestyle modifications. The same healthy choices that protect your cardiovascular system may also preserve your precious sense of hearing.

Learning how to improve heart health doesn’t require drastic overnight changes. Start small if you need to:

• Schedule overdue health screenings
• Add more fish and vegetables to your weekly meals
• Start a daily walking routine
• Quit smoking or cut back
• Have your hearing tested

Every positive step you take benefits your entire body. Your heart and your ears are more connected than you might have thought, and caring for one helps protect the other.

The relationship between cardiovascular health and hearing is a powerful reminder that our bodies work as interconnected systems. By understanding this link and taking action to support your heart, you’re also investing in your ability to hear the voices of loved ones, enjoy music, and engage fully with the world around you for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can heart problems affect hearing?

Some cardiovascular conditions may affect hearing gradually over years, while others could cause more rapid changes. This is why managing heart conditions promptly and maintaining regular hearing tests is so important.

If I improve my heart health, will my hearing improve too?

While hearing loss related to cardiovascular issues typically cannot be reversed, improving your heart health may help prevent further hearing decline. Some research suggests that treating underlying cardiovascular disease may slow the progression of hearing loss.

Are certain heart medications bad for hearing?

Some medications can affect hearing, but don’t stop taking prescribed heart medications without consulting your doctor. If you’re concerned about medication side effects, discuss this with your healthcare provider, who can help you weigh the benefits and risks.

Can exercise alone prevent hearing loss?

Cardio exercise for heart health is an important protective factor, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Combining regular physical activity with a healthy diet, not smoking, managing chronic conditions, and protecting your ears from loud noise provides the best protection for your hearing.

Should I tell my cardiologist about my hearing loss?

Yes. Let your cardiologist know if you experience hearing loss, as it may be related to your cardiovascular health. Similarly, inform your audiologist about any heart conditions, as this information can help them better understand and treat your hearing loss.

What’s the single most important thing I can do for both heart and hearing health?

If you smoke, quitting is likely the single most impactful change you can make. If you don’t smoke, maintaining a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids for heart health, along with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, offers powerful protection for both systems.