Smoking
The harm that smoking can cause the throat and lungs has been well-documented. However, its connection with hearing is more complex. For example, some studies suggest that the chemicals in cigarette smoke, like benzene, formaldehyde, arsenic, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, and vinyl chloride, may impact conductive hearing and the inner ear due to the damage to the cells of hair lining up the cochlea. Other research has also found strong correlations between hearing loss, tinnitus, and the amount of tobacco smoked.
Carbon monoxide and nicotine can constrict our blood levels and deplete oxygen levels around the body. Additionally, it includes the parts of the inner ear primarily responsible for ensuring the health of hair cells. Nicotine can also interfere with the auditory nerve’s neurotransmitters, likely contributing to vertigo, dizziness, and tinnitus. Moreover, passive smoking can also put adolescents at risk of hearing loss. Studies show that teenagers exposed to the smoke of cigarettes are more likely to start developing hearing loss compared to teenagers who don’t.
