In America, more than 40% of adults snore while sleeping. This may be a common phenomenon, but there could also be cause for concern. Snoring has been correlated with hearing loss for both the snorer and the person sleeping next to the snorer.

In two different studies, bed partners of snorers were found to have high-frequency hearing damage in the ear closest to the snorer.

How Snoring Relates to Sleep Apnea

Snoring-related hearing loss is not only a worry for the people sleeping next to snorers, however.

Snorers can also suffer from hearing loss because of the noise. Further, sleep apnea, or a pause in breathing while sleeping, is often correlated with snoring. Sleep apnea is common, especially in snorers.

Sleep apnea continuously takes the sleeper out of deep sleep into light sleep, which disrupts the sleep cycle. The result is often a very tired person! These breathing interruptions can happen up to 30 times per hour and can last up to a minute each!

Sleep apnea itself can also hinder the vascular circulation to the cochlea, and that can result in inflammation. Sleep apnea and snoring have both been linked to low- and high- frequency hearing damage.

It is Your Hearing!

If you know you snore when you sleep and you suspect you have sleep apnea, ask your doctor for a sleep test. There are treatments available for sleep apnea. Losing weight and other preventative measures can also help to resolve sleep apnea.

If you snore or have sleep apnea regular hearing evaluations are particularly important as a preventative measure against hearing damage. Hearing loss is not reversible but it can be avoided if it’s detected early.

Remember that the first step to halting hearing loss and preventing further damage is to recognize your situation. Come in today for a hearing screening and formulate a strategy to train your brain to listen actively and effectively.

Diablo Hearing Services 2301 Camino Ramon, STE 106 San Ramon (925) 394-4646