When most people think about heart health, they picture heart attacks or strokes. But here’s something you probably haven’t thought about: your arteries could also affect how well you hear.
A new study looked at over 3,700 adults around age 65 and found something surprising—people with more plaque buildup in their carotid arteries (the big arteries in your neck) were more likely to have worse hearing (Croll PH, et.al., 2019).
Why Does This Matter?
The tiny structures inside your inner ear rely on a steady blood supply to stay healthy. When the arteries get stiff or clogged, blood flow suffers. That means your ears don’t get the nutrients they need, and your hearing can start to fade.
Here’s What the Researchers Found:
- Thicker artery walls = poorer hearing. Even a small increase in artery thickness made a noticeable difference.
- More plaque = worse hearing. People in the highest plaque group had hearing loss about 2 decibels worse than those in the lowest group.
- Right ear impact was stronger. The link was especially clear in the right ear, though scientists aren’t fully sure why.
So, What’s the Big Takeaway?
Taking care of your heart could also protect your hearing. Eating better, moving more, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol aren’t just about preventing heart disease—they may help you hold on to your hearing as you age.
Bottom line: Your ears and your arteries are connected. Protect one, and you may protect the other.
Support Your Heart and Metabolic Health
If you’re looking to support your cardiovascular and metabolic wellness, consider Berberine UltraSorb by Pure Encapsulations.
Berberine UltraSorb features enhanced absorption berberine to support glucose metabolism and cardiometabolic health—key factors in maintaining healthy arteries and overall wellness.
👉 Register here with Pure Encapsulations to receive 5% off and free shipping on all orders.
Reference
Croll PH, Bos D, Vernooij MW, Arshi B, Lin FR, Baatenburg de Jong RJ, Ikram MA, Goedegebure A, Kavousi M. Carotid Atherosclerosis Is Associated With Poorer Hearing in Older Adults. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2019 Dec;20(12):1617-1622.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.06.022. Epub 2019 Aug 6. PMID: 31399361.
