Most people are under the impression that E-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes. As far as hearing is concerned, this isn’t true.
There are many chemicals in both E-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes that can lead to hearing loss. Nicotine is oto-toxic. This means that nicotine is toxic to the hair cells within the ear.
The hair cells transmit sound to the auditory (hearing) nerve. If they are damaged, you won’t hear well.
If you have chemical exposure (E-cigarettes or traditional cigarettes) and noise exposure, you are even more likely to suffer permanent changes to your hearing.
So, the best advice still stands: If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, there are treatments available to help you quit smoking. E-cigarettes aren’t safe, so if you don’t smoke, don’t start using an E-cigarette.
If you would like more information, give us a call at 727-323-2471.
Susan E. Terry, Au.D., F-AAA, F-NAP
Doctor of Audiology
Board Certified
P.S. We are here to help, if you have any questions about your hearing feel free to give us a call at 727-323-2471.