When we think about hearing loss, bone health is likely the last thing to come to mind. What could the musculoskeletal system have to do with hearing? A recent study discovered a surprising link between seemingly separate functions of the body. These findings not only tell us something important about how the bones and ears work, but they also demonstrate a broader principle of the body. Though many of our observation techniques only reveal the direct links between parts of the body, many indirect links create the integrated mechanisms of health. Though a problem in one part of the body might not have a direct effect on another part, considering the chain reaction between them is a helpful way to understand health from a holistic perspective. Looked at another way, underlying causes can have a variety of effects in the body, even when those causes remain invisible. Let’s take a look at the study and think about what it tells us about this interconnected, holistic approach to wellbeing.
The Study
A team of researchers in Taiwan had access to a large dataset of health outcomes from one million study participants. Using a dataset of this size makes it possible to perform risk assessments in the population. With many variables to consider, researchers will observe connections between groups of people. Specifically, they can see which groups of people are more likely to develop certain conditions. This approach to health risks was used to connect osteoporosis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss. They found that those who had osteoporosis had a 1.76-fold risk of developing this specific type of sudden hearing loss. In order to understand this surprising connection, we need to take a closer look at both of the conditions on their own.
Osteoporosis and Sudden Hearing Loss
Osteoporosis is a disorder of the bones, whereby the process for new bone matter to replace old bone matter slows down. This lack of new bone cells leaves them weaker and prone to breaking. Those who have osteoporosis have more breaks in their hips, wrists, and even in the spine. Particularly for older people or those with a number of health conditions, these breaks can be a devastating blow to general health. In comparison, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a rare condition that experts continue to seek to understand. Over the course of single instant or a few days, one or both ears lose hearing. Often, the loss is profound and limited to one ear. Those who study sudden sensorineural hearing loss point to a number of causes including ototoxic chemical exposure, head injuries, infectious diseases, circulation problems, and thyroid disorders. Sometimes sudden sensorineural hearing loss can be cured, particularly when treatment is sought quickly, and steroid therapy is a common approach. In other cases, sudden sensorineural hearing loss goes away on its own.
Interpreting the Connection
Researchers are not willing to say that one of these conditions directly causes another. However, it seems likely that a third underlying factor connects the two of them. Something that is causing osteoporosis might be causing sudden sensorineural hearing loss, as well. What that third factor might be is a subject of future research, particularly from a medical perspective. Healthy lifestyle choices are key to preventing osteoporosis. Specifically, getting a diet rich in calcium and plenty of exercise are important preventative measures. Although it might seem counterintuitive, experts on osteoporosis say that jogging and other exercises that put our joints to the test, when practiced earlier in life, can help to prevent osteoporosis and the breaks that can result.
If you are concerned about the onset of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, it looks like a holistic approach to health is a good preventative approach. When you pursue healthy behaviors, you will be in better shape to prevent these health conditions, as well as the chain reaction that connects them. Why not start on a path toward better health today? The basic principles of good nutrition and plenty of exercise are a place to start. You can integrate healthy foods into your current lifestyle rather than expecting an immediate overhaul, and exercise comes in simple forms of physical activity, as well. A healthy lifestyle is easier than you might think!