Your body is a network of complex systems that for the most part work in harmony. But when it comes to disease, that interconnectedness can mean that one ailment can result in more widespread symptoms than you might expect. With it being Thyroid Awareness Month, the example that comes to mind is of course thyroid disease, a collection of conditions that affect a gland in your neck called the thyroid. A surprising consequence of thyroid disease is hearing loss.
Not all kinds of thyroid disease cause hearing loss, but a few that have proven links are Grave’s disease, Pendred Syndrome and Hashimoto’s disease. The jury is still out on why thyroid problems can affect hearing. While the researchers toil away trying to figure that one out, there are things you can do to protect the health of your thyroid and so protect your hearing.
There are four things in particular, which are easy enough to remember with this acronym: D I V E
D for diet
I for iodine
V for vitamins
E for exercise
Diet
Keep junk food to a minimum and up your intake of foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries and tomatoes. Also, avoid eating raw cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower and broccoli. You can keep them in your diet, but cook them.
Iodine
Sticking with the theme of diet, too little iodine in your diet can prevent your thyroid from working properly. This is because the main job of your thyroid is to produce two hormones called T3 and T4, which both need iodine. Iodized salt and foods fortified with iodine, such as eggs and milk, are great ways to increase your iodine intake. But this should only be done if you are lacking iodine, as too much iodine can be bad for your health too. A doctor can advise you on whether you need more iodine or not.
Vitamins
Selenium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin D can all be taken as supplements to help keep your thyroid in good shape. But again, you should consult your doctor first.
Exercise
Great for your overall health and your thyroid. Regular moderate exercise boosts your circulation and helps keep your thyroid healthy.
With your thyroid taken care of, you have one less risk factor for hearing loss. But it is nonetheless important to have your hearing health checked out by an Audiologist so any signs of hearing loss are caught and treated early, whether or not they are caused by thyroid problems.
At SLENT Audiology’s Hearing & Balance Center our Audiologist in South Lousiana, veteran Dr JJ Martinez is here to help you enjoy healthy hearing for years to come. Call us today on 985-273-5795 to book your appointment with Dr Martinez.
