The two most common causes of hearing loss are aging and exposure to loud noises. But beyond these causes are several lesser-known factors that may be putting your hearing at risk.
Alcohol Consumption 
As one of the most widely-abused substances in the country, excessive alcohol consumption can put you at risk for several serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
According to one study, alcohol consumption may lead to damage in the brainstem, which can significantly alter auditory evoked brainstem potentials. Heavy drinking can also cause damage to the central auditory cortex, the area in your brain that is responsible for processing sound.
Iron Deficiency
Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues in your body. Iron-deficient anemia (IDA) occurs when there are not enough healthy red blood cells. In addition to many health issues caused by this condition, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania suggest that there may be a link between IDA and hearing loss.
They reported that individuals with IDA are twice as likely to have hearing loss than those without the disorder. While the connection is unclear, the researchers suspect it is related to the amount of healthy red blood cells reaching the hair cells within the inner ear.
Stress
While stress is a common part of life, chronic stress can have a serious impact on your health. Experiencing long periods of continuous stress can lead to a circulation issue, as the body diverts oxygen to your muscles when it prepares for a fight or flight reaction. When the inner ear is deprived of oxygen, the delicate hair cells can become permanently damaged.
Moderate stress can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as eating better or working out at Kefi Yoga or other neighbor gyms. Those experiencing chronic stress should seek medical attention.
Sleep Apnea
This common sleep disorder is a serious medical condition that happens when you stop breathing multiple times a night. While doctors are not sure of the correlation, many studies have found connections between sleep apnea and hearing loss.
The reigning theory is that sleep apnea reduces the blood supply to the inner ear. Other experts suspect the connection is related to years of snoring, a common symptom of sleep apnea, causing noise-induced hearing loss.
To learn more about additional causes of hearing loss you may not be familiar with or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, contact Torrance Audiology today.