Hearing as a Marker of Vascular Aging: Can Audiograms Predict Cardiovascular and Inflammatory Risk? A Narrative Review

David Goldfarb*

Princeton Ear, Nose and Throat, Princeton, NJ, USA

*Corresponding Author: Goldfarb, Princeton Ear, Nose and Throat, Princeton, NJ, USA.

Received: August 08, 2025; Published: Sepetember 05, 2025

Abstract

Background: Hearing loss is typically managed within otolaryngology, yet emerging evidence suggests that specific audiometric patterns—particularly low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (LFSNHL)—may reflect underlying vascular and inflammatory disease. We’re used to thinking of hearing loss as a local problem. But what if certain hearing patterns are actually telling us about broader systemic risks? In this paper, we explore how low-frequency hearing loss (LFSNHL) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) may serve as clinical clues pointing to dyslipidemia and low-grade inflammation—especially elevated hs-CRP. We propose that audiograms can serve as early warning signs of vascular aging and outline a practical algorithm for screening and management that’s easy to integrate into ENT and primary care workflows.

Objective: To examine relationships between audiometric tests, dyslipidemia, and inflammatory markers (e.g., high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]), and to propose a clinically actionable screening framework for otolaryngologists and primary care.

Methods: Narrative review of epidemiologic, mechanistic, and interventional literature linking hearing impairment with cardiovascular risk factors, lipid profiles, and systemic inflammation; emphasis on LFSNHL and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Results: LFSNHL and SSNHL are associated with dyslipidemia, elevated inflammatory markers, and surrogate measures of vascular aging. Elevated lipids or CRP predict poorer auditory outcomes in several types of hearing loss; preliminary data suggest lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory interventions may improve prognosis in select patients.

Conclusion: In this narrative review, audiometric findings —particularly LFSNHL and unexplained SSNHL—should prompt lipid and hs-CRP testing to detect systemic disease earlier. We offer a decision algorithm to guide screening and interdisciplinary management.

Keywords: Audiometry; Low-Frequency Hearing Loss; Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss; Dyslipidemia; C-Reactive Protein; Vascular Aging; Longevity

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Citation

Citation: David Goldfarb. “Hearing as a Marker of Vascular Aging: Can Audiograms Predict Cardiovascular and Inflammatory Risk? A Narrative Review".Acta Scientific Otolaryngology 7.10 (2025): 02-06.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2025 David Goldfarb. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.