Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Individuals with sleep apnea often experience loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, and restless sleep.

This disorder affects quality of life and is associated with a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression.

Hearing loss, on the other hand, is a common problem affecting millions of people worldwide. It is defined as the decreased ability to hear sounds clearly or at all.

Hearing loss can affect all ages, from infants to the elderly, and can be caused by a range of factors, including aging, exposure to loud noises, and genetic factors.

Many people do not realize that there is a connection between sleep apnea and hearing loss. Research has shown that individuals with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing hearing loss than those without sleep apnea.

In this article, we will explore the link between these two conditions and what you can do to protect your hearing.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. These pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes, and can occur multiple times a night.

When you have sleep apnea, your brain and body may not get enough oxygen, which can lead to various health problems.

The most common types of sleep apnea are:.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – This occurs when your throat muscles relax and block your airway during sleep.
Central sleep apnea (CSA) – This occurs when your brain does not send proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing.
Complex sleep apnea syndrome (CompSA or MixedSA) – This is a combination of OSA and CSA.

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, more than 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, and 80% of moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea go undiagnosed.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause daytime fatigue, memory problems, and even heart problems.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

There isn’t a single cause of sleep apnea, and different factors can contribute to this condition. Here are some of the common causes of sleep apnea:.

Obesity – Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea. Fatty tissues in your neck can block airways, causing breathing problems.
Age – Sleep apnea can affect individuals of all ages, but it is more common in individuals aged 40 and above.
Gender – Men are at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea than women, especially if they are overweight.
Smoking and alcohol consumption – Smoking and drinking alcohol can increase the relaxation of your throat muscles, leading to breathing problems.
Anatomical abnormalities – Abnormalities in your nose, throat, or airway can cause breathing problems during sleep.
Genetics – Some people may be genetically predisposed to sleep apnea. If someone in your family has sleep apnea, you may be at a higher risk of developing it too.

Sleep Apnea and Hearing Loss

Several studies have shown that sleep apnea and hearing loss are linked.

A study published in the Journal of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery found that individuals with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing hearing loss than those without sleep apnea. The study found that the risk of hearing loss increased with the severity of sleep apnea.

The exact mechanism behind this link is still unknown. Some researchers believe that the lack of oxygen during sleep apnea episodes can damage the delicate hair cells in the ear, which are responsible for hearing.

Others believe that the inflammation caused by sleep apnea can spread to the ear and cause damage.

Another study published in The Journal of Sleep Research investigated the relationship between hearing loss and sleep quality.

The study found that individuals with hearing loss had a higher prevalence of sleep apnea and more severe sleep apnea symptoms than those without hearing loss.

Individuals with sleep apnea and hearing loss may also experience other symptoms, such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and vertigo (dizziness).

How to Protect Your Hearing

If you have sleep apnea, it is important to seek treatment to prevent further damage to your hearing. Treatment options for sleep apnea include:.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) – This is a machine that provides air pressure through a mask to keep your airways open while you sleep.
Oral appliances – These are devices that you wear in your mouth to help keep your airways open.
Surgery – In some cases, surgery may be required to remove obstructions in the airway.

In addition to seeking treatment for sleep apnea, there are steps you can take to protect your hearing:.

Reduce exposure to loud noises – Exposure to loud noises can damage your hearing over time. If you work in a noisy environment, wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing.
Take breaks – If you listen to music or use headphones regularly, take breaks to give your ears a rest.
Avoid putting things in your ear – Never insert anything into your ear canal, such as cotton swabs or pencils. These objects can damage your ear canal and eardrum.
Get regular hearing checkups – If you are at risk of developing hearing loss or have already experienced hearing loss, it is important to get regular hearing checkups to monitor your hearing.

The Bottom Line

There is a strong link between sleep apnea and hearing loss. If you have sleep apnea, it is important to seek treatment to prevent further damage to your hearing.

In addition to seeking treatment, take steps to protect your hearing by reducing exposure to loud noises, taking breaks from listening to music, avoiding putting things in your ear, and getting regular hearing checkups.