Around one-third of Americans ages 65 to 74 have hearing loss, and it affects about half of those age 75 and older.

That sets them up for a variety of health problems. Not only do hearing problems increase the risk of depression and dementia, but they up the risk of heart failure by 128%.

Research published in the journal Heart found that the psychological distress that comes from being cut off from the world because of hearing problems accounts for about 17% of the cases of heart failure.

And other research has found that hearing loss leads to a slowdown in walking speed, a decrease in physical activity, and increased problems with balance — all of which are associated with heart problems.

That's why over time, people with hearing loss experience greater physical decline than those with good hearing.

Clearly, it is important to protect your hearing from damage caused by loud noises (wear earplugs at loud concerts). You also want to manage blood pressure (a major contributor to heart failure), have your hearing tested, and use a hearing aid if needed.

But this study shows it’s equally important to protect yourself from the inflammatory proteins and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels that can accompany emotional stress associated with hearing loss.

The regular therapy is hearing aids. The cutting-edge therapy that can rid your body of inflammatory proteins is called therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). Ask your doctor about the potential cardiovascular and emotional benefits you may achieve with TPE.

For more information, check out Cleveland Clinic's online article "Plasmapheresis and Plasma Exchange."