There are some protective measures we can take to protect our hearing. In this week’s podcast we will discuss what we can do to protect our hearing.
It is important to limit intake of salt and sugar. High salt intake can increase fluid retention in the inner ear, contributing to conditions like Meniere’s disease, and excess sugar can lead to inflammation which can impact our ear health.
Some medications, such as certain antibiotics or pain relievers, can harm hearing. Always consult your doctor about side effects before taking any medications; even over-the-counter medications can have harmful side effects.
Getting regular hearing checkups if we’re frequently exposed to loud sounds or if we have a family history of hearing loss is vital for the early detection of any hearing related disorders. It is also important to make sure that we manage any chronic conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease to prevent increased risk for hearing loss.
Vertigo and Tinnitus
Vertigo and tinnitus are symptoms often associated with inner ear or neurological conditions and can be quite disruptive to many peoples’ quality of life.
Vertigo
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often caused by inner ear or brain issues.
There can be many different reasons for vertigo and these include:
- Inner Ear Disorders
- Head or neck injuries
- Migraine headaches
- Neurological disorders
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Inner ear disorders can be caused by dislodged calcium crystals in the inner ear, fluid buildup in the inner ear (Meniere’s Disease), inflammation of the inner ear (Labyrinthitis), or inflammation of the vestibular nerve (Vestibular Neuritis)
Trauma to the head or neck can damage the vestibular system or nerves, causing vertigo.
Migraines sufferers can get vertigo even without a headache.
Strokes often affect the brain areas responsible for balance, which can cause vertigo in certain individuals.
With Multiple Sclerosis (MS), vertigo can occur due to damage to the nervous system.
Other causes of vertigo include low blood pressure, dehydration, or anemia as well as side effects of medications (e.g., ototoxic drugs).
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears without an external source.
Tinnitus can be due to:
- Hearing loss
- Inner ear disorders
- Ear problems
- Circulatory disorders
- Medication
- Neurological or psychological factors
Age-related hearing loss can be a contributor towards tinnitus symptoms. Noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud sounds can also cause tinnitus.
Inner ear disorders such as Meniere’s disease and acoustic neuroma can exacerbate tinnitus.
A buildup of ear wax, ear infections or fluid in the middle ear, as well as eustachian tube dysfunction can also increase symptoms of tinnitus.
High blood pressure, atherosclerosis, or vascular malformations can cause tinnitus.
Certain drugs, including aspirin, NSAIDs, loop diuretics, and some antibiotics are ototoxic and can trigger or worsen tinnitus.
Stress, anxiety or depression and neurological conditions like MS can also trigger or worsen tinnitus.
Next week we will discuss management and treatment options for Vertigo and Tinnitus.
Listen to my interview with Brad Kirsten from Radio Cape Pulpit on 13 February 2025 to learn more. Listen to my next interview on Thursday at 7.45am.