What can our ears tell us about our health? Much more than we think!

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It is very important to regularly check your hearing and ear health.

It is worth checking your hearing at least once a year – this will help not only to notice the first signs of loss or weakening in time, but also to pay attention to early symptoms of diseases that, it would seem, have nothing to do with the ears. It turns out that our hearing organs can tell us a lot about our health – the main thing is to know what to pay attention to.

Wrinkles on the earlobes

Yes, with age, wrinkles appear on almost all parts of the body, and ears are no exception. But if the wrinkle crosses the lobes diagonally – the so-called Frank's diagonal – it can warn of developing coronary heart disease. The fact is that the appearance of this wrinkle is caused by the destruction of small vessels – just like those that supply blood to our heart. And if the area of ​​​​the lesion becomes large enough, trouble can happen. So check your heart if your earlobes suddenly wrinkled.

Hearing loss

More and more studies confirm a direct link between hearing loss and the early development of age-related dementias – for example, Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have not yet found the exact reason, but believe that the whole thing is that the brain is more active in the “auditory” area – and, therefore, less active in other important areas. For this reason, it is important to compensate for poor hearing with the help of special devices.

Hearing loss in one ear

Trauma, infection, or even fluid buildup can all cause temporary or permanent hearing loss on one side. But if this happens to you, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible: In some cases, one-sided hearing loss can be caused by a tumor that develops on the nerve in the inner ear, called a benign acoustic neuroma.

Ringing in the Ears

Most often, the cause of ringing in the ears is quite simple: prolonged exposure to loud noises, an ear infection, or taking certain medications. However, in some cases, the cause of ringing can be high blood pressure or high cholesterol, as well as hormonal changes, a tumor, and even preeclampsia. So don't ignore this symptom, see a doctor!

Itchy ears

Normally, ears should not itch, and if you feel itching in the ear canal for a day or more, you should definitely consult a doctor. He will determine the cause – most often it is a fungal infection or eczema – and prescribe medication. You should not choose medication yourself and especially not suffer in the hope that it will pass: an untreated cause of itching can lead to serious infection and even hearing loss.

Wet, sticky earwax

A study conducted by specialists from Japan has found a direct link between wet, sticky earwax and an increased risk of developing breast cancer – due to a mutation in the ABCC11 gene. If this is your case, you should regularly undergo breast examinations and carefully monitor their condition.

“Hot” ears

If your ears become red and hot, this may be one of the first symptoms of menopause – hot flashes are often concentrated in the upper part of the face, as well as in the ear area.

Numbness

In itself, numbness in the ears should not cause concern. But if it is combined with symptoms such as weakness in the arms and legs, numbness in the face, and difficulty speaking, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible – all of these can warn of a developing stroke.