Question
I'm a 44 year old female with sensorineural hearing loss of unknown origin, though we are assuming it is from exposure to loud music when I was younger. For the past 5 years I have protected myself from loud noises, yet my hearing continues to decline. Can you suggest anything to reduce continued hearing loss, such as anti-oxidants (which seems to be a popular idea), medical evaluations, clinics that specialize in determining the cause of hearing loss?
Answer
Most causes of sensorineural hearing loss are never known. However, a complete medical evaluation by an otolaryngologist is advisable to determine any possible treatable cause. Medications and diseases associated with small vessel disease are the major concerns. Arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease are all associated with a higher incidence of hearing loss. anti-oxidants, such as vitamin E, have been associated with the prevention of noise induced hearing loss and may well help prevent progression. Smoking, which creates free radicals, has been associated with increasing the probability of hearing loss. Finally, be sure to have your blood lipids and cholesterol checked. High levels have been associated with an increased incidence of hearing loss, possibly through the promotion of small vessel disease. Unfortunately, even if you live healthy and take all precautions possible, the majority of us will slowly develop hearing loss. The inner ear hair cells do not replace themselves and once they are lost, their function is not recovered.
Dr. Kavanagh is an Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, University of Kentucky, Lexington. He has an active clinical practice and has published several widely used websites www.entusa.com, www.ear-anatomy.com and www.occupationalhearingloss.com along with numerous peer reviewed scientific publications. Currently he is in private practice in Somerset, KY.