Sleep Apnea may Increase Risk of Hearing Loss, Stroke

More than 18 million Americans are estimated to have sleep apnea, a breathing disorder that disrupts air flow and can result in a poor night's rest.

Now, a recent study conducted by researchers at the Albany Medical Center, shows that this health issue can result in hearing impairment.

"We found that sleep apnea was independently associated with hearing impairment at both high and low frequencies after adjustment for other possible causes of hearing loss," said lead author Amit Chopra, MD, currently at the Albany Medical Center in New York, via a press release.

The study involved about 14,000 individuals from the Hispanic community. About 10 percent of the individuals suffered from moderate sleep apnea, while 19 percent had high frequency impairments. Another 1.5 percent had low frequency hearing impairment, while 8.4 percent had both high and low frequency hearing impairment.

"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."

Symptoms of sleep apnea can include
snoring, choking and/or gasping sounds, with morning headaches and excessive daytime sleepiness.