Quit smoking - it takes a toll on your hearing

Sponsored feature | Trevor Chapman, director and lead audiologist, angli-EAR Hearing

With National No Smoking Day on Wednesday, 13 March, I wanted to shed some light on a lesser-known consequence of smoking: hearing loss. Yep, you read that right. Lighting up that cigarette isn’t just harmful to your lungs and heart, it can also take a toll on your precious sense of hearing.

Studies have shown puffing away on cigarettes, whether actively or passively, can increase your risk of hearing loss later in life. In fact, smokers are 15 per cent more likely to experience hearing issues compared to non-smokers. And if you’re exposed to second-hand smoke, that risk shoots up by a whopping 28 per cent.

So, what’s the deal with smoking and hearing loss? It all comes down to those nasty chemicals lurking in cigarette smoke. Ammonia, arsenic, benzene – you name it, cigarettes are packed with them. These chemicals wreak havoc on the nerve endings in your inner ear, disrupting the flow of sound signals to your brain. Plus, nicotine and carbon monoxide team up to mess with your blood oxygen levels, further strangling those tiny blood vessels in your inner ear.

But wait, there's more! It’s also closely linked to annoying conditions like tinnitus, dizziness, and even ear infections. And, if you’re a parent-to-be, lighting up during pregnancy could spell trouble for your little one’s hearing further down the line.

Kicking the habit is easier said than done, I know. But trust me when I say the benefits far outweigh the temporary satisfaction of a smoke break. Quitting smoking not only lowers your risk of hearing loss but also reduces your chances of developing other serious health issues like heart disease and dementia.

If you’re ready to take the plunge and ditch the cigarettes for good, the NHS website has some fantastic resources to help you along your journey. And if you’re concerned about your hearing health, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a chat. Whether it’s a simple hearing test or expert advice on treatment options, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s make National No Smoking Day the start of a healthier, happier journey – for ourselves and our ears!

Call angli-EAR Hearing on 01223 661399 or visit angliearhearing.co.uk.