Hearing Loss and Osteoporosis

If you have osteoporosis, one of the most important things you can do is to ensure you go in for regular ear screenings with your audiologist. More recently, extensive research has identified strong links between the two conditions. A recent study conducted in 2021 found that the risk of experiencing hearing loss was 40% higher in women with osteoporosis.

It’s also important to note that drugs like bisphosphonates, traditionally used in treating low bone density, do not minimize the risk of experiencing hearing loss. However, there is more research being conducted to understand its full impact.

What is Osteoporosis?

Over 50 million people in the United States live with osteoporosis. It is a condition that weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to breaking. Although it can occur to anyone at any age, it is more common in older people, especially women. Studies on osteoporosis show that it is present in every one in two women, particularly those aged 50 years or older.

People with osteoporosis have low bone density, which increases their risk of sustaining fractures or bone loss, especially in areas such as the spine, hips and wrist. Apart from causing pain, osteoporosis can also reduce the height or cause its patients to have a hunched posture. In severe cases, simple everyday activities like sneezing can cause a bone to break.

What is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is a condition that typically affects older adults. Nearly half the people in the US 65 years or older are likely to have hearing loss. Hearing loss usually manifests in three different ways: conductive, sensorineural and mixed. Risk factors like aging, constant exposure to loud noises, ear infections and tumors and excessive earwax can contribute to the development of hearing loss.

How are Hearing Loss and Osteoporosis Linked?

You might wonder how these two seemingly different conditions could be linked. Many medical researchers still cannot identify the direct relationship between the two. However, the smaller bones in your ear that help you hear better may be likely to be affected by osteoporosis and become weaker, so keep this in mind. Although there needs to be more research to accurately determine a root cause or linkage, it has become clear that there is a relationship. Therefore, if you have osteoporosis, it might increase your risk of experiencing hearing loss too.

That’s why you must make it a point to go for regular hearing screenings with your audiologist, especially if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. Hearing loss can be difficult to spot in its early stages, as it is a gradual process. When it takes too long to address your hearing loss, you might find it challenging to adjust to living with hearing aids.

Do You Have Osteoporosis?

If you have osteoporosis, you must pay extreme attention to your hearing and bones. Speak to your audiologist, who will determine how to schedule your regular hearing screenings. Even if you are currently experiencing hearing loss, it can still be managed with the help of hearing aids, so keep this in mind.

What Type of Hearing Aid Should You Get?

If you’re already experiencing hearing loss, your audiologist will likely prescribe the best hearing aid that fits your condition. There are several factors to consider when selecting the right hearing aid, including the severity of your hearing loss, the shape of your ear and how easy it would be to handle them.

There are three types of hearing aids that your audiologist will most likely prescribe:

• Behind the ear (BTE): BTEs are designed for people with a wide range of hearing loss, mild or profound.

• In the ear (ITE): ITEs typically fill the outer bowl of your ear and are best used for people who find it more difficult to handle complex hearing aids like the BTEs. These hearing aid devices are best used for people experiencing moderate to severe hearing loss.

• In the canal (ITC): ITCs are fitted more deeply into the ear canal, making them less visible to others. They are smaller than other types and require much smaller batteries.

Ensure that you speak to your audiologist to learn which hearing aid will help make living with hearing loss significantly more comfortable. Moreover, a trip to the audiologist can also ensure that you stay on top of your hearing health. For more information on osteoporosis and hearing loss and finding the right hearing aids, don’t hesitate to contact Rocky Mountain Hearing & Balance at (801) 685-3456.