Smoking, hypertension and poor cardiovascular health can all cause hearing loss. A recent study at the University of Ulim in Germany suggests that high levels of alcohol consumption can also cause hearing loss.

Because the negative effects on the auditory system are cumulative, even moderate drinkers may experience damage over a long period of time.

The study measured the response of the auditory nervous system to incoming sound. The "heavy drinker" group had slower processing times than the "social drinker" group.

Although the researchers did not test hearing directly, individuals with abnormal auditory nerve response tend to have greater difficulty understanding rapid speech and speech in noise. Hearing sensitivity is generally not affected.

These findings add credence to the generally accepted belief that alcohol is toxic to the central nervous system. Many clinicians believe that long-term consumption of alcohol also adversely affects the balance system, which is closely related to the auditory system.