It is estimated that more than 40% of Americans snore when they sleep. This may not come as a surprise to you, but did you know that snoring can be more than a nuisance? Recent studies have linked snoring with hearing loss, not only for the snorer but for the snorer’s bed partner as well.

Can Snoring Cause Hearing Loss?

Researchers did 2 types of hearing tests on individuals who slept next to snorers, and found that all of them had high-frequency hearing loss in the ear closest to the snoring sleeping partner.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Hearing loss has also been linked to snorers themselves. Many people who snore may also have sleep apnea, a common condition in which there are pauses in breathing while asleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to more than a minute, and can happen 30 times per hour, or even more. It is an ongoing condition that disrupts sleep by forcing the person out of deep sleep into light sleep.

Sleep apnea was found to hinder the vascular supply to the cochlea and cause inflammation. Paired with loud snoring, sleep apnea has been linked to a greater risk of high- and low- frequency hearing loss along with other health problems.

What Can You Do?

If you are a snorer and suspect you may have sleep apnea, see your doctor to conduct a sleep test. Once diagnosed, sleep apnea can be treated. It is also possible to reverse it by taking pro-active measures such as losing weight.

And if you suspect you may be suffering hearing loss as a result of snoring or sleep apnea, see your audiologist for recommendations and a hearing test.

It’s In Your Hands

Hearing loss can be arrested and sometimes treated if caught early, so don’t wait. Come in today for a hearing test and take control of your hearing and your health!

Diablo Hearing Services 2301 Camino Ramon, STE. 106 San Ramon CA 94583  (925) 394-4646