We’ve long known that overeating is detrimental to our health, especially over time. There are quite a few health conditions related to obesity. You can add hearing loss to diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease as a possible issue. It’s estimated that roughly 48 million people in the U . S ., loss of hearing is an obstacle for around 20% of the U.S population, and nearly twice that number of adults, 93 million, are obese. Throughout the country, these staggering numbers indicate a serious health issue.
What is The Relationship Between Loss of Hearing And Obesity?
Various studies have shown that there’s a link between obesity and hearing loss. While researchers are still investigating the connection, it’s believed that loss of hearing and being overweight have a relationship because the circulatory system is impacted. Also, obesity is connected to diabetes and high blood pressure, which are also connected to hearing loss.
The inner ears are filled with microscopic hairs that detect sound in the ear. In order to work effectively, these small hairs, called stereocilia, have to have a steady flow of blood. Because of obesity, the flow of blood is restricted throughout the body because the heart will have to work harder to get the blood flowing around the body, which means that there is less than ideal amount of blood flow available to your ear. Your hearing can be permanently harmed in this way. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes affect the inner ear in the same way, since each of these illnesses negatively effects your circulation.
Keeping your weight under control is particularly important as you age since age-related hearing loss is also connected to a high fat mass index. Your body’s metabolism doesn’t work as well or as fast as it once did, which is the reason why you should try to stick with healthy habits that you started when you were younger.
A good diet and exercise are excellent for your general health and your hearing.
Treatments For Obesity-Associated Loss of Hearing
If your hearing loss is triggered by obesity, you may never be able to get it back, still, it’s always smart to have your ears tested to find out the magnitude of your hearing loss. If the injury is irreversible, you might need a hearing aid or other device to begin hearing properly again.
If the damage is not that severe, you might have considered trying to see your doctor before your health becomes worse, about making an exercise and diet plan to reduce the effect your weight has on your health. Your doctor should set up a cardio intensive exercise routine that will enhance your general health and get your blood pumping. There will be, more than likely, other improvements in your life as well, such as mental health, since day to day exercise will lessen depression according to a lot of research.
How Can You Prevent Obesity-Related Hearing Loss
So that you can avoid obesity-related hearing loss day to day exercise and a healthy diet are a must. Keeping your body healthy can also help keep your ears in superior shape. One way to get started is a consultation with a nutritionist who can help develop a plan that is individualized for you and is focused on helping you attain your goals. The job of the nutritionist is to make certain you’re consuming healthy foods with the ideal blend of nutrients, foods that are high in iron, for instance, because of course, a lack of iron in your diet can exacerbate your loss of hearing and trigger tinnitus.
Discover more concerning hearing loss and the treatments available to help you hear better.