Losing these two senses could indicate potentially fatal health conditions, new research shows.
Hearing loss has been linked to a higher chance of heart failure while people with a poor sense of smell are more likely to die of neurodegenerative, respiratory and cardiovascular complications, according to two new studies.
Scientists from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found that out of 2,500 participants, those who flunked a 16-item “odor identification test,” which included scents like lemon, garlic and coffee, had a nearly 70% higher risk of mortality than those who aced it.
The study, which was published in JAMA Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery last month, looked at the most common causes of death associated with having a poor sense of smell and found that dementia was the biggest risk factor.
Experts say regular screenings, similar to hearing and vision assessments, could help, and the research is a reminder that olfaction, the ability to smell that research indicates also impacts taste and memory, is an important marker of overall health.
“Your sense of smell is not only your smell and taste,” the study’s senior author, Ingrid Ekström, told JAMA. “It’s your memory and your perception and knowing about your environment around you.”
Meanwhile, people with slight and significant hearing problems were 15% and 28% more likely, respectively, to develop heart failure than those with adequate hearing, according to an observational study of 164,000 UK participants published in the medical journal Heart last month.
Those using hearing aids had a 26% heightened risk.
Though vascular issues are likely to blame, researchers found that the psychological stress that comes with losing the ability to hear can exacerbate heart disease.
The scientists concluded: “These findings suggest that hearing health and psychological well-being should be considered in cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention strategies.”
