Many people recognise the importance of drinking plenty of fluids and the benefits of this on your overall health, but is especially important for your hearing health.
Effects of Dehydration on Your Ears
Our bodies mostly consist of water, and it needs regular fluid intake to function properly. Dehydration happens when we lose more fluid from sweat or loss of other bodily fluids than are ingested.
The inner ear can be particularly affected by dehydration because it is an organ that is filled with fluid. And it is this fluid that aids our body’s equilibrium and ability to hear.
Dehydration can cause many hearing related symptoms, including:
- Ringing in the ears or tinnitus
- Loss of balance
- Dizziness
- Feeling of fullness in the ears
- Loud noises or ‘rushing’ in the ears
Muffled Hearing
Sound vibrations may not transmit as effectively to the hair cells with less fluid in the inner ear. This can lead to a muffled sensation, making it harder to hear clearly.
Impacts and Solutions
The impact of dehydration on hearing varies from person to person, but all of these effects can be potentially dangerous, and so it is vital to ensure you drink adequate fluid. The NHS recommends we drink 6-8 glasses of fluid a day, and more depending on the levels of activity or exercise (Water, drinks and your health – NHS (www.nhs.uk).
If you are not dehydrated and experiencing any of the symptoms above, please contact your GP to discuss.
Worried about your hearing?
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Ears feeling blocked or full?
You may need to check for ear wax. We offer Micro suction Ear Wax Removal at all 5 of our clinics in:
- MUMBLES – 99 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4BN – 01792 367435
- SWANSEA – 47/48 The Grove, Uplands, Swansea, SA2 0QR – 01792 650894
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- NEWCASTLE EMLYN: Antique Cottage, Emlyn Square, SA38 9BQ – 01239 727052
Source: https://americanhearing.us/can-dehydration-affect-your-hearing/
