Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
Latest posts by Bonnie L. Baehr, Au.D. (see all)
- How Hearing Loss Affects Communication in Relationships - November 6, 2025
- The Importance of Early Hearing Loss Detection in Children - October 27, 2025
- The Connection Between Hearing Health and Overall Well-Being - October 15, 2025
Hearing loss often shows up quietly. It doesn’t always start with loud noises or old age. In fact, many people are surprised to learn that common health issues can interfere with how well the ears work. When the body faces certain medical challenges, the ears can end up paying the price. That’s why hearing health doesn’t stand alone.
It’s connected to the heart, blood sugar, immune system, and more. Understanding these connections helps make sense of changes in hearing. The more attention paid to overall health, the better the chances of staying connected to the sounds of daily life.
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Swings
Blood sugar doesn’t just affect energy levels. It also plays a major role in the small blood vessels of the inner ear. When glucose levels rise and fall unpredictably, those delicate structures can be damaged over time. That damage makes it harder for sound to travel clearly.
People living with diabetes may not notice a problem at first. Hearing changes can be slow and easy to overlook until conversations feel muffled or background noise becomes overwhelming. That’s why steady blood sugar control is so important. It supports not only long-term hearing but also the brain’s ability to process sound accurately.
The Heart’s Role in Hearing Health
A healthy heart does more than pump blood. It also keeps the tiny cells in the ear nourished and functioning. When circulation slows due to high blood pressure, narrowed arteries, or other heart conditions, the ears often suffer. Reduced blood flow means the cochlea may not get the oxygen it needs.
Over time, this can lead to gradual hearing decline. Sometimes, the earliest signs of poor circulation show up in the ears before anywhere else. Keeping the cardiovascular system in good shape isn’t just about preventing stroke or heart attack. It also helps preserve sharp and responsive hearing for longer.
Infections That Leave a Lasting Mark
Colds and sinus infections might seem harmless, but they can cause temporary or even long-term hearing issues. The middle ear can fill with fluid or become inflamed, leading to muffled sounds and discomfort. In some cases, ear infections can damage the eardrum or the bones that help conduct sound.
Viral infections like measles, mumps, or meningitis can be even more serious, with the potential to cause permanent hearing loss. Sometimes, it’s not the infection itself but the body’s immune response that creates inner ear problems. Prompt treatment and regular follow-up care can help prevent lingering effects on hearing.
Autoimmune Conditions and Ear Function
When the immune system attacks the body by mistake, it doesn’t always spare the ears. Autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation that affects the inner ear. Some people experience sudden hearing loss that seems to come out of nowhere. This may happen in just one ear or both.
The inflammation may also bring on dizziness or balance problems. Because the symptoms can be unpredictable, hearing changes linked to autoimmune conditions should never be ignored. Early medical attention can improve outcomes and sometimes even restore some hearing that was lost suddenly.
Thyroid Disorders and Hearing Signals
The thyroid plays a quiet but important role in regulating many systems in the body, including the ears. When thyroid hormone levels drop too low or climb too high, it can affect hearing. For example, hypothyroidism slows many processes down, including those needed for clear sound transmission. It may also contribute to fluid buildup in the middle ear.
People with thyroid conditions might also notice ringing in the ears or feel off-balance. While hearing changes from thyroid issues are usually mild, they can become more noticeable over time. Routine monitoring and proper treatment support better long-term hearing health.
Why Routine Hearing Checkups Matter
Medical conditions don’t always make their presence known right away. Sometimes the first clue that something’s wrong is a change in hearing. That’s why regular hearing checkups are more than just a good idea; their vital for overall long-term health.
Consistent hearing care helps make everyday communication smoother and more enjoyable. It also supports brain health, social connection, and emotional well-being. Prioritizing hearing checkups is one of the smartest ways to stay in tune with the body’s larger picture. Make time for a hearing screening and stay ahead of silent changes.