Smoking tobacco is the biggest public health problem in the world, and now e-cigarettes, or vapes, are rising in popularity as well, especially among younger demographics.
Many people are unaware of the correlation between smoking and hearing health. The connection between smoking traditional cigarettes and hearing loss is well-studied. While there’s currently less research out there about the connection between vaping and hearing health, it appears that vaping indeed carries similar risks to smoking cigarettes.
How Does Smoking Impact Hearing?
The main factor in how smoking affects hearing health is the chemical nicotine. Nicotine is what makes cigarettes so addictive, and it is found in traditional cigarettes and most vapes.
Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it constricts blood vessels. Constricted blood vessels slow down blood flow throughout the body and lower blood oxygen levels. In particular, they affect the cochlea in the inner ear, which plays a vital role in hearing. It is covered in hair cells that convert sound waves to electrical impulses, which transmit sound information to the brain. These hair cells need a constant supply of blood and oxygen to function properly, and will become damaged if the blood supply is restricted. Damaged hair cells will not regenerate, so all damage is permanent. Permanent damage to the cochlea means permanent hearing loss.
What About Nicotine-Free Vapes?
There are zero-nicotine options out there, advertised as a way to ease off a nicotine addiction. Unfortunately, these come with their own problems. There is research out there to suggest that the “vape juice” used to give vapes their flavor, even nicotine-free vapes, contains ototoxic chemicals, such as propylene glycol.
Furthermore, there has been little government oversight of the chemicals used in vape juice. While the FDA has implemented more regulations in recent years, it can still be challenging to know what chemicals are present in vape juice and what harm they may cause. Further research will be necessary to know the full extent of the risks.
Need Help Quitting?
The good news is that studies show former smokers measure better on hearing tests than persistent smokers, but quitting isn’t easy. If you’re considering quitting, there are a number of places to start. Check out nicotine replacement therapies (or NRTs) such as nicotine skin patches, gum and lozenges. These will help relieve cravings and lessen the severity of nicotine withdrawal. There are also online resources, such as SmokeFree.gov.
You should also consult an audiologist to determine what, if any, damage has been done to your hearing. The South Valley Ear Nose & Throat – West Jordan team can perform a hearing test and create a treatment plan based off your needs.