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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWithin the inner ear are tiny hair cells called stereocilia. These cells convert incoming soundwaves into electrical energy that travels via the auditory nerve to the brain to be interpreted as sound. When these cells don\u2019t receive enough oxygen from the blood, they can die. Once dead, they do not regenerate, and the result is permanent sensorineural hearing loss<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Approximately 43% of people with insomnia also have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is another sleep disorder that can be very serious if left untreated. Sleep apnea causes the sleeper to repeatedly stop breathing in their sleep. In severe cases, this can occur as many as 30 times per hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies show that people with sleep apnea often have larger quantities of plaque in the blood vessels. This means constricted blood flow to the inner ears and cell starvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hearing loss isn\u2019t the only condition that can be exacerbated by poor sleep. It can also worsen symptoms of tinnitus<\/a>, which is a ringing, roaring, whistling, whooshing or hissing sound in the ears with no external sound source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One study revealed that insomnia can increase perceived severity of tinnitus, decrease a person\u2019s tolerance of the condition and worsen its functional and emotional toll. This often becomes a vicious cycle, as poor sleep prompts worse tinnitus, which in turn prevents good sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the strongest links between insomnia and hearing loss<\/a> is that both are comorbidities of cardiovascular disease. Research has established that insufficient sleep causes poor blood circulation throughout the body, including the ears. Your inner ears rely on healthy blood flow to help you hear.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInsomnia & Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Insomnia & Tinnitus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Learn More About Hearing Loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n