Hearing loss has many different causes, some well-known and others less so. Our bodies are complex systems, with organs and conditions constantly interconnecting and affecting one another, so some things that might seem unrelated to hearing at first might actually be connected. The connection between the thyroid and hearing loss is one such surprising connection.
How Hearing Works
Let’s break down how hearing works. Our ears capture sound waves and funnel them to an organ called the cochlea, which encodes them into electrical signals and transmits them to the brain for interpretation as sound. It accomplishes this with tiny hair-like sensory cells lining the organ’s walls. These hair cells also rely on a healthy supply of oxygen-rich blood to function. They are tiny and delicate; any damage to them is permanent, and they will not grow back.
How the Thyroid Works
Next, let’s discuss the thyroid. The thyroid is a gland, which means it produces and releases hormones. It is located at the front of your neck. The hormones produced by the thyroid are crucial for regulating your metabolism, which is the process of transforming the food you eat into energy. Your metabolism directly influences heart rate, digestion, respiration and body temperature, and the energy it creates affects your organs’ ability to function, your cells’ ability to build and repair themselves and many other things.
Thyroid Issues
Thyroid issues occur when the thyroid either overproduces or underproduces hormones. When it overproduces, it’s known as hyperthyroidism. When it underproduces, it’s known as hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an accelerated metabolism, with other common symptoms being elevated heart rate, sudden weight loss, insomnia and heat sensitivity. Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is characterized by a slowed metabolism, meaning you’ll see the opposite symptoms: slower heart rate, sudden weight gain, extreme fatigue and cold sensitivity. Hashimoto’s disease is the most common type of hypothyroidism.
How Thyroid Issues and Hearing Interact
There’s an increasing amount of research saying that hearing loss is connected to thyroid issues, but as of this writing, the exact causal relationship is unknown. However, there are some theories on how the thyroid can affect the inner ear, and it is generally accepted that the two organs are connected.
One such theory concerns blood flow to the inner ear. Hypothyroidism slows the heart rate, reducing blood flow to the hair cells in the cochlea, which, as discussed above, require healthy blood flow to function. Depriving them of oxygen due to reduced blood flow can cause these cells to die.
How to Manage Hearing Health with a Thyroid Issue
If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid issue, you should follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on treatment and management. The information presented here is meant to inform you about how hearing can be affected, as well. Raise concerns about hearing with your provider, and consider getting a hearing test now so you can monitor any changes to your hearing. The good news is that the relationship between the thyroid and the ear can work both ways. In some cases, treating a thyroid disorder improved hearing health.
If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with M.K. Larson Audiology for a hearing test, call us today. We would be happy to speak with you further.
