In addition to all the other warnings against smoking, we know that it can also increase your risk of hearing loss.  In a study of approximately 3000 individuals, it was found that those who smoke are 1.3 times more likely to suffer from hearing loss than their non-smoking counterparts.  Interestingly, those exposed to second hand smoke were almost 2 times more likely to suffer from hearing loss!The underlying mechanisms that cause such ear damage are fourfold:

1. The nicotine in cigarettes is a known ototoxic drug, related to increased hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness.

2. Cigarettes are vasodilators (i.e constrict the blood vessels); as such they reduce oxygen supply to the inner ear hair cells.

3. Cigarettes generate free radicals in our bodies which can damage inner ear hair cells.

4. Smoking subdues the mechanism in the ears that protect us from loud noises, thus increasing our vulnerability to noise induced hearing loss.

If there weren’t enough reasons to avoid smoking, we now have one more!

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