Hearing Aid Audiologist and Oxford Hearing Centre founder, Richard Moss RHAD, FSHAA, MRSH has highlighted new research regarding the dangers of smoking – banned in public places in England since July..

Studies carried out at institutions worldwide, have found that smokers have a 70% greater risk of having hearing loss than non-smokers.

These studies showed that in people who are less than 35 years of age, about 4.5% of individuals in the general population will have some hearing loss. If they smoked, however, it went up to 43% – a huge statistical difference.

Looking at people over 35 years of age, about 10% in the population as a whole will have hearing loss. However, if they smoke, they increase that chance by 17%.

Commenting on the research Richard Moss said:

“The studies do not give a clear reason as to why cigarette smoking would cause hearing loss, but it is generally accepted that nicotine is a vasoconstrictor meaning that it restricts blood flow. "

“The inner ear system needs a good blood and oxygen supply. If this supply is restricted or even denied – which is believed to happen with nicotine – the inner ear does not receive sufficient nutrients. This results in damage of the delicate hair cells and permanent hearing loss.”

The studies also suggest, however, that people who smoke are often, as a result of their lifestyle, also exposed to loud noise more often and that this might also have an effect.

Oxford Hearing Centre
157 Eynsham Road
Oxford OX2 9NE
Tel. 01865 861 861

www.oxfordhearingcentre.co.uk

Published: March 2008