4 surprising things people dont realize can mess with their hearing

Say what?While hearing loss is often associated with aging — 22% of people over the age of 65 struggle to hear everyday sounds around them — it can affect people of all ages.And certain factors that mess with the ability to properly hear may take some people by surprise, including an item many reach for regularly.While it may seem like an issue to deal with if and when it happens, hearing loss can affect your health in several ways by causing feelings of social isolation, depression, anxiety and loss of confidence.However, it turns out our health can also affect how well we hear, according to Nick Andresen, a neurotologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.“Hearing loss is not always caused by aging or obvious noise exposure,” Andresen told The Post.“Noise exposure is one of the best-known causes, but it is only part of the picture.”Beyond loud sounds, factors like lifestyle habits, medical conditions, infections and even some medications may also contribute to hearing loss.Despite its increasing popularity, the health risks of smoking are well and thoroughly documented.And now, hearing loss can be added to the list, as lighting up not only increases the risk, but more exposure to cigarettes is associated with more severe loss.“The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it may involve reduced oxygen delivery to the inner ear and damage from toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke,” Andresen explained.Quitting may reduce or even potentially reverse some of the risk.While more modest of an effect than other risk factors, having high blood pressure may also affect your ears.High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels and hair cells, which convert vibrations into nerve signals, in the inner ear.Reduced blood flow also decreases the amount delivered to the cochlea, the hearing organ of the inner ear, which can lead to either gradual or sudden hearing loss.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), like aspirin and ibuprof...