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Smoking and Hearing Loss

  • Smoking increases middle ear problems (Sharabi et al. 2002)
  • Smokers are twice as likely to have mild hearing loss compared to non-smokers (Nakanishi et al. 2000)
  • Smoking worsens the effects of exposure to loud noise (Wild et al. 2005)
  • Risk of high-frequency hearing loss increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day (Nakanishi et al. 2000)
  • Maternal exposure to cigarette smoke can negatively impact the hearing and auditory processing of babies (McCartney et al. 1994)

If you or a loved one is ready to quit smoking, consider joining a cessation program. The UNC Nicotine Dependence Program provides extensive services and support for those looking to improve their health.

Additional local resources and information can be found at: Quitline NC