Can Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) lead to Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

A study conducted on American adults explored the possible connection between hearing loss and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that blocks airflow from entering the lungs. When oxygen levels in your blood drop, this can harm your hearing by preventing healthy blood flow to your ears. Like all of the organs in your body, your ears need healthy blood flow to function properly.  

Symptoms of COPD:

• Difficulty with breathing/shortness of breath, especially while engaging in physical activities
• Chronic cough with mucus (featuring a clear, white, yellow, or greenish color.)
• Low energy
• Swollen ankles, feet, or legs 
• Tightness in your chest
• Unintended weight loss (appears in later stages)
• Wheezing

Causes of COPD include long-term exposure to:

• Gas irritants 
• Particulate matter (from cigarette smoke or chemical fumes, vapors, and dust in work environments.)
• Burning fuels in the home from cooking in poorly ventilated areas. 
• Having asthma
• Genetic factors - being born with an alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, can lead to some cases of COPD.

Complications related to COPD:

• Respiratory infections. Individuals with COPD are more prone to catching colds, the flu, and pneumonia. Respiratory infections can make breathing difficult and lead to additional lung damage. 
• Heart problems. COPD can lead to a higher risk of heart disease, including heart attacks. 
• Lung cancer. Anyone with COPD is at a higher risk of developing lung cancer. 
• High blood pressure in lung arteries. COPD could cause high blood pressure in the arteries, which transport blood to your lungs. 
• Depression. When you experience difficulty with breathing, you may stop doing the activities that you once enjoyed. Managing and struggling to manage an illness can lead to depression. 

When you have poor blood flow, this can negatively impact your hearing health. Just like all of the organs in your body, your ears need healthy blood circulation to function properly.  

Preventative Measures

The best way to prevent COPD is to:

• Refrain from smoking, which will reduce the risks of heart disease and lung cancer.
• Work and cook in a well-ventilated area if you’ll be exposed to chemical fumes.
• Get a yearly flu vaccination and regular vaccinations against pneumococcal pneumonia to lower risks of or prevent certain infections.

If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss caused by COPD, or any other reason, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. 

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