You probably know that rock concerts, construction equipment, and other loud noises will eventually damage your hearing. However, those aren’t the only risks your ears face. Hearing loss can also be caused by a variety of factors that have nothing to do with noisy environments. Below are a few surprising factors that can affect your hearing.

4 Hearing Loss Causes Not Related to Noise

1. Smoking

Tobacco use harms many aspects of your health, including your hearing. Researchers have found a strong link between smoking and permanent loss in tobacco users as well as people exposed to secondhand smoke, although the cause isn’t yet known. If you smoke, quitting now may not restore existing hearing loss, but it may keep the problem from getting worse.

2. High Blood Pressure

Some studies have found a surprising relationship between high blood pressure and noticeable hearing loss. While the exact cause isn’t clear, many researchers believe that elevated blood pressure eventually damages capillaries in the inner ear, eventually causing hearing problems.

3. Too Much Earwax

Earwax keeps dust, pollen, and other debris out of your ears, and should migrate out on its own. However, it can sometimes build up inside the ear canal, keeping sound waves from reaching the inner ear. If your ears are clogged with excessive wax, don’t try to remove the earwax yourself. Instead, see a doctor who has the tools and skills to get the buildup out safely.

4. Obesity

Being overweight puts a lot of strain on your circulatory system, which might struggle to move blood and nutrients to your inner ears. Higher body fat percentages correlate directly to hearing loss. However, walking for just two hours a week can help you minimize the risk of permanent damage to your hearing.

Hearing loss can impact almost every aspect of your life, which is why people in Kalispell, MT, trust the doctors at Glacier Ear Nose & Throat and Glacier Hearing Services. For over 30 years, they’ve offered the most comprehensive range of services in the Flathead Valley, including everything from evaluations to hearing aid sales and preservation techniques. Visit their website for more on their hearing loss services, or call (406) 752-8330 to make an appointment today.