The science of hearing loss (Photo : YouTube/Miracle-Ear)
People with low levels of iron in their blood usually have a condition called iron deficiency anemia. This condition can have several effects in the body and a new study suggests that loss of hearing is one of them.
The study, the results of which were published on Dec. 29 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, was conducted by researchers spearheaded by Kathleen Schieffer of the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. The study looked into the relationship between iron deficiency anemia and a condition that involves hearing loss called combined hearing loss.
To arrive at their conclusion, the researchers looked into the medical records of more than 300,000 patient, aged between 21 and 90 years old, and identified which of them had low iron levels or iron deficiency anemia. At the same time, they also looked into diagnoses of hearing loss among patients.
The study found that those the risk of hearing loss among those with iron deficiency anemia was 2.4 times higher compared to those who did not have low levels of iron. It was also found out that the type of hearing loss the patients had was combined hearing loss.
Combined hearing loss is a combination of the two types of hearing loss: sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. The former results from the damage to the inner ear, the nerve that connects ear to the brain and the brain as well. The latter involves mechanical blockages that do not allow sounds to properly travel through the ear, such as the buildup of earwax.
The study only showed that there is a possible association between hearing loss and anemia but it does not directly mean that a cause-and-effect relationship exists. The researchers also do not recommend that those who have hearing loss will immediately consider getting blood tests to find out if anemia is present. Iron deficiency should be "on the radar as one of the factors that may be contributing to hearing loss.
Other studies will be needed to confirm the findings, as in all medical research," Dr. David Haynes, a professor of otolaryngology, neurosurgery and hearing and speech sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, was quoted as saying. Learn more about the possible connection between anemia and hearing loss in the video below.
