{"id":3192,"date":"2022-08-26T14:52:14","date_gmt":"2022-08-26T18:52:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hamptonroadsent.com\/?p=3192"},"modified":"2022-08-26T14:52:18","modified_gmt":"2022-08-26T18:52:18","slug":"is-there-a-connection-between-fibromyalgia-hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hamptonroadsent.com\/is-there-a-connection-between-fibromyalgia-hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Is There a Connection Between Fibromyalgia & Hearing Loss?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When two medical conditions occur together, they are known as comorbidities. Along with tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression, another comorbidity of fibromyalgia is hearing loss. We review the connection below.<\/p>\n\n\n

What Is Fibromyalgia?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n
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Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, sleep, memory and mood problems. These symptoms often begin after a triggering event, like physical trauma, surgery, infection or psychological distress. In some cases, however, symptoms begin gradually with no triggering event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts hypothesize that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations because it affects the way the brain and spinal cord process signals, both painful and nonpainful. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, many medications and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n

Study Linking Fibromyalgia & Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n

A study<\/a> published in the journal PLOS One <\/em>aimed to examine whether patients with fibromyalgia have an increased risk of hearing loss compared to those without, and to explore the relationship between drugs and the development of hearing loss in patients with fibromyalgia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The researchers used Taiwan\u2019s National Health Insurance Research Database to compile information from two cohorts: one with new-onset fibromyalgia between 2000 and 2002, and one that was age- and sex-matched to this group but who did not have fibromyalgia. Patients were followed from three months after their fibromyalgia diagnosis until death, withdrawal, hearing loss development or the date December 31, 2013.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They found that the overall risk of hearing loss<\/a> in the fibromyalgia group was 1.46-fild higher than the non-fibromyalgia group after adjusting for sex, age and comorbidities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the researchers, \u201cOur findings support the notion that [fibromyalgia] influences [hearing loss] and is in line with the hypothesis that the [fibromyalgia] mechanism is related to a central nervous system abnormality in sensory processing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

Next Steps<\/h2>\n\n\n

The researchers also argued that health care professionals should provide screening for the risk of hearing loss and prevention and counseling methods for patients with fibromyalgia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, it\u2019s important to get a baseline hearing test right away and then regular screenings to monitor for the development of hearing loss. An audiologist can conduct these tests and provide appropriate treatment if and when you start having trouble hearing your friends\u2019 conversations at Venture Kitchen and Bar<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information or to schedule an appointment for a hearing test<\/a>, call Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy<\/span> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n