What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep condition characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep2. These pauses can last a few seconds to minutes, with some people experiencing multiple interruptions throughout the night. 

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Gasping for air during sleep
  • Restless sleep or frequent movements
  • Morning headaches 
  • Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
  • Irritability or mood changes
  • Dry mouth or a sore throat in the morning

If you are experiencing the symptoms above or have concerns regarding sleep apnea, please seek advice from your healthcare professional.


How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Hearing Loss?

There’s no evidence that sleep apnea directly causes hearing loss, but several studies suggest a strong link between the two. Sleep apnea reduces blood flow to the ears, which requires a strong blood supply for healthy hearing. Another theory is that years of loud snoring could contribute to noise-induced hearing loss.3 

According to a 2020 observational study, sleep apnea patients are 21% more likely to experience hearing impairment. These findings led the authors to advocate for comprehensive screening for hearing loss in all individuals identified with sleep apnea.4 

Another study found that patients with sleep apnea were more likely to experience sensorineural hearing loss. This occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, resulting in difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds or understanding speech in noisy environments.5


What Treatment Options Are Available?

People with sleep apnea may have inflammation or abnormal blood vessel function, which can lead to hearing impairments. If sleep apnea is treated, patients may notice an improvement in their hearing. 

Sleep apnea can be managed with:

  • Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a balanced diet
  • Using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine
  • Wearing oral appliances that support the tissues in the mouth and throat
  • Undergoing corrective surgery6

If you have sleep apnea, seek advice from your hearing care professional. Proactively protecting your hearing health can improve your quality of life and minimise the potential of hearing loss.

Ready to prioritise your hearing health? Visit your local Connect Hearing clinic for a consultation. Our friendly team will check your hearing and help you manage any concerns so you can be confident in your hearing health. 


References:

  1. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (15 May 2016), Can You Hear Me Now?, Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, accessed 8 November 2024.
  2. Health Direct (June 2024), Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), Health Direct, accessed 21 November 2024.
  3. European Respiratory Journal (2022),The association between snoring and hearing loss in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea., ERS Publications, accessed 21 November 2024.
  4. Clinical Otolaryngology (23 April 2020), Sleep apnoea is associated with hearing impairment: The Paris prospective study 3, Wiley Online Library, accessed 8 November 2024. 
  5. Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (30 August 2022), Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, Sage Journals, accessed 8 November 2024. 
  6. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (22 January 2001), Lifestyle modification for obstructive sleep apnoea, Cochrane Library, accessed 8 November 2024.