Smoking is bad for you. IN SO MANY WAYS! A new study in Japan links cigarettes with hearing loss.
Here’s a “no duh!” for you today: Don’t smoke! Smoking tobacco is bad for your overall health. “Of course it is!” you might be tempted to retort. That epic teenager-y eye roll that follows makes for dramatic effect. Yes, you probably know and understand many of the risks of smoking. However, did you know that smokers may be at greater risk for hearing loss?
The Risks Associated with Smoking
We all know that there are A TON of risks associated with cigarettes. First, smoking increases your risk of a bunch of different types of cancer. And, it’s associated with respiratory diseases. Additionally, smoking increases your risk of heart disease. Moreover, did you know that using tobacco products negatively impacts EVERY ORGAN in your body. Every single organ. Let that sink in. Not to mention, 100% of scientists, health care professionals, and your friends and family members ALL agree that smoking is unattractive and relatively gross.
Smoking and Hearing Loss
So, a new study of 50,000 adults in Japan ties smoking with an increased risk of hearing loss. Yes, it’s true: this addictive negatively impacts our ENTIRE bodies. And, the more you smoke, the higher the risk. Though the study had its limitations (it only focused on men), it linked smoking to an increase in the development of high frequency hearing loss.
What contributes to this link? Researchers haven’t found a clear answer to this question. However, cigarette smoke contains toxins that may damage the inner ear. Additionally, smoking causes inflammation and decreases blood flow to the cochlea. Both of these factors can contribute to hearing loss.
A Reason to Quit
You probably didn’t need yet another reason to quit smoking. But, hearing loss is a serious condition that can lead to additional issues. The moral of the story is this: if you smoke, it is time to quit. Quit your cigarette habit for your own health and well-being, and quit smoking for the benefit of those around you.
Want to know the bottom line? When you smoke, you risk both your health AND your attractive-ness quotient. You place every area of your body at risk. Though the addictive habit may seem impossible to break, there is hope. Hope AND help. Many resources exist to aid those who want to quit. Find support, use the resources around you, and break this detrimental habit once and for all. Be happy. Be healthy. And, be a hottie.
Hearing Help
Are you a lifelong smoker? Worried that your use of cigarettes has impacted your hearing negatively? Monitor your hearing health by scheduling a free comprehensive hearing exam at Decibels Audiology. We can find out if you have any hearing loss. Moreover, we would LOVE to point you in the direction of other health care professionals who can help you quit cigarettes once and for all.
With the help of a free hearing test and otoscopic exam, one of our amazing audiologists will be able to determine your level of hearing loss. She will be able to help you move forward in order to prevent further health issues resulting from the hearing loss. So, call today to make an appointment. We would love to get to know you and help you in your quest to live your best life!