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Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by breathing pauses or shallow breaths during sleep. Without proper treatment, the chronic illness can repeatedly disrupt sleep and lead to other health complications. In a new study, researchers found that sleep apnea might increase one’s risk of hearing loss.
For this study, the researchers examined data on nearly 14,000 participants from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. 53 percent of the participants were females and the average age was 41. The data included information collected through in-home sleep studies and hearing tests.
“Patients with sleep apnea are at increased risk for a number of comorbidities, including heart disease and diabetes, and our findings indicate that sleep apnea is also associated with an increased risk of hearing impairment” Dr. Chopra said, via the release. “The mechanisms underlying this relationship merit further exploration. Potential pathways linking sleep apnea and hearing impairment may include adverse effects of sleep apnea on vascular supply to the cochlea via inflammation and vascular remodeling or noise trauma from snoring.”
The results of the research also showed that hearing impairment were more common among Cuban and Puerto Rican individuals with a higher body mass index.
Another study that came out this week also shows an increased risk of stroke, particularly in women with sleep apnea.
“Our results could have a substantial impact on our thinking of the risks associated with sleep apnea in women,” said lead study author, Dr. Suzie Bertisch, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, said via Health Day. “From a clinical standpoint, the results could help clinicians provide more proactive treatment for reducing cardiovascular risk in their female [sleep apnea] patients.”
Agencies/Canadajournal
