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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSleep apnea<\/a> is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to loud snoring, gasping for air, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, dry mouth, headache, concentration problems and mood changes. There are three types of sleep apnea:<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a 2016 study<\/a>, which involved over 16,000 participants, those with sleep apnea had 26% higher odds of high-frequency hearing impairment, 127% higher odds of low-frequency hearing impairment and 29% higher odds of combined-frequency hearing impairment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another 2016 study<\/a> that was much smaller corroborates these findings; it claims that, among people with severe sleep apnea, those with the lowest oxygen levels are much more likely to have a hearing impairment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, a 2017 study<\/a> found that the risk of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is significantly higher among middle-aged and elderly patients with sleep apnea and other sleep disturbances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to note that, though there\u2019s clearly a strong link between sleep apnea and hearing loss, there is no evidence that sleep apnea directly causes hearing impairment. That said, there are a couple theories about the nature of the link:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleep apnea can be managed with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re experiencing hearing loss, the first step toward treatment is to visit an audiologist. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call ENT Specialists Of Northern Virginia<\/span> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Does the Research Show?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why the Link?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Can I Manage Sleep Apnea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Can I Manage Hearing Loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n