There are lots of health reasons to remain in shape, but did you realize weight loss supports improved hearing?
Studies have demonstrated that exercising and eating healthy can improve your hearing and that individuals who are overweight have an increased chance of experiencing hearing loss. It will be easier to make healthy hearing choices for you and your whole family if you understand these relationships.
Obesity And Adult Hearing
Women are more likely to experience hearing loss, according to research carried out by Brigham And Women’s Hospital, if they have a high body mass index (BMI). BMI measures the relationship between body fat and height, with a higher number signifying higher body fat. The higher the BMI of the 68,000 women in the study, the higher their hearing loss frequency. The participants who were the most overweight were up to 25 % more likely to experience hearing impairment!
In this study, waist size also ended up being a dependable indicator of hearing impairment. Women with bigger waist sizes had a higher risk of hearing loss, and the risk increased as waist sizes increased. As a final point, participants who engaged in regular physical activity had a lower incidence of hearing loss.
Children’s Hearing And Obesity
A study on obese versus non-obese teenagers, performed by Columbia University Medical Center, determined that obese teenagers were twice as likely to experience hearing loss in one ear than teenagers who weren’t obese. Sensorineural hearing loss, which happens when the delicate hair cells in the inner ear are damaged, was common in these children. This damage led to a diminished ability to hear sounds at low frequencies, which makes it hard to understand what people are saying in crowded settings, like classrooms.
Hearing loss in children is particularly worrisome because kids often don’t realize they have a hearing issue. If the issue isn’t addressed, there is a risk the hearing loss could worsen when they become adults.
What is The Connection?
Obesity is related to several health issues and researchers suspect that its connection with hearing loss and tinnitus lies with these health problems. Poor circulation, diabetes, and high blood pressure are all linked to hearing loss and are often caused by obesity.
The sensitive inner ear is made up of numerous delicate parts including nerve cells, little capillaries, and other parts which will quit working efficiently if they aren’t kept healthy. It’s crucial to have strong blood flow. High blood pressure and the narrowing of blood vessels brought about by obesity can impede this process.
Reduced blood flow can also damage the cochlea, which accepts sound waves and sends nerve impulses to the brain so you can distinguish what you’re hearing. If the cochlea is damaged, it’s usually irreversible.
Is There Anything You Can do?
Women who remained healthy and exercised frequently, according to a Brigham and Women’s Hospital study, had a 17% reduced likelihood of developing hearing loss versus women who didn’t. You don’t need to run a marathon to decrease your risk, however. Walking for a couple of hours each week resulted in a 15 percent reduced risk of hearing loss than walking for under an hour.
Your whole family will benefit from a better diet, as your diet can positively impact your hearing beyond the benefits gained from weight loss. If there is a child in your family who has some extra weight, get together with your family members and put together a routine to help them shed some pounds. You can teach them exercises that are fun for children and work them into family gatherings. They may do the exercises on their own if they like them enough.
If you think you are experiencing hearing loss, consult a hearing specialist to determine whether it is related to your weight. Weight loss promotes better hearing and help is available. This person can do a hearing test to verify your suspicions and advise you on the measures necessary to deal with your hearing loss symptoms. If necessary, your primary care physician will suggest a diet and exercise program that best suit your individual needs.
