![\"Picture](\"https:\/\/advancedhearingga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bed-sleep-disorders.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea <\/strong>is caused by the tissues in the mouth and throat collapsing into the airway; central sleep apnea <\/strong>is the result of the brain failing to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing; complex sleep apnea <\/strong>is a combination of the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms of sleep apnea include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to one study<\/a> of over 16,000 people, hearing loss<\/a> is more common among those with a higher body mass index (BMI) who snore and have severe sleep apnea. This was determined by in-home sleep apnea studies and on-site audiometric testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another smaller study<\/a> found that those with the lowest oxygen levels are much more likely to have hearing loss among people with severe obstructive sleep apnea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It has not been established that sleep apnea directly causes hearing loss. However, there are some theories about why the two conditions are linked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One theory is that sleep apnea reduces blood flow to the inner ears. Within the inner ears are tiny hair cells that convert soundwaves into electrical energy that the brain interprets as sound. If these hair cells are deprived of blood and oxygen, they can die. And once damaged, they do not regenerate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another theory is that years of loud snoring can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another hearing condition \u2013 tinnitus (ringing in the ears) \u2013 has also been linked to sleep apnea. A study<\/a> in Taiwan found that the risk of tinnitus was significantly higher in middle-aged and older people who had sleep disturbances, especially sleep apnea. Tinnitus is a condition that can also contribute to insomnia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleep apnea can be managed by working out at The Forum Athletic Club<\/a> to lose weight, getting a CPAP machine or undergoing surgery. Hearing loss and tinnitus are treated by a hearing expert known as an audiologist. For more information or to schedule an appointment<\/a>, call Advanced Hearing<\/span> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Does the Research Show?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why the Link?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What About Tinnitus?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Management Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n