Passive smokers , who do not use cigarettes but breathe second-hand tobacco smoke, are at high risk of deafness , a new study reveals. The authors examined 3,300 American adults between the ages of 20 and 69, classified as passive smokers after measuring their blood levels of cotinine , a product derived from nicotine. The data revealed that 14% of those frequently exposed to tobacco smoke lost hearing at low and medium frequencies . And about half ( 46% ) had lost hearing for high frequencies .
Experts believe that tobacco smoke could affect blood flow in the small vessels of the ear, depriving this organ of oxygen. The damage that tobacco causes to hearing is different from that caused by exposure to noise or old age.
? Hearing loss could be added to the list of health consequences associated with exposure to tobacco smoke ,? the authors conclude. The study has been published in the journal Tobacco Control .
