If You Are Overweight it Can Impact Your Hearing

Obese woman watching her weight after learning it was causing hearing loss.

It’s well known, that over longer periods of time, eating way too much will be detrimental to your health. There are a number of health conditions related to obesity. Heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and you can add hearing loss to the list, as well. It’s calculated that approximately 48 million individuals in the United States, loss of hearing is an obstacle for around 20% of the U.S population, and in adults it’s nearly double that number, 93 million, are obese. Throughout the country, these shocking statistics point to a serious health issue.

What is The Connection Between Hearing Loss And Obesity?

Numerous studies have revealed that there’s a relationship between obesity and loss of hearing. Exactly what that link is, is still being investigated, it’s thought that obesity is connected to loss of hearing because of its effect on our circulatory system. Additionally, obesity is associated with diabetes and high blood pressure, which are also linked to loss of hearing.

The inner ears are filled with microscopic hairs that detect sound in the ear. To be able to work correctly, these tiny hairs, called stereocilia, have to have a steady blood flow. Due to obesity, the blood flow is restricted throughout the body since, so they can keep the blood flowing throughout the body, the heart needs to do additional work, which means that your inner ear is operating on too little blood flow. This can permanently injure the ears. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes impact the inner ear in a similar manner, as all of these diseases adversely impacts your blood flow.

It’s extremely important to keep your weight under control as you age since age-related hearing loss is also related to a high fat mass index. In the past, your body’s metabolism worked faster and more efficiently, which is the reason why you should try to formulate good habits when you’re younger and stay with those habits as you age.

A healthy diet and exercise are great for your general health and your hearing.

Treatments For Obesity-Related Hearing Loss

It’s feasible that you might not be capable of recovering your lost hearing if it’s caused by obesity, however, it’s always smart to have your ears evaluated to identify the degree of your hearing loss. If the damage is irreversible, you might need a hearing aid or other device to begin hearing properly again.

If the injury is only slight, you might have considered trying to see your doctor about developing a diet and exercise strategy to minimize the effect your weight has on your health before it gets any worse. Your doctor should set up a cardio intensive exercise program that will get your blood pumping and improve your general health. You will probably find that other aspects of your life also improve, mental health, as an example, since consistent exercise has been proven to lessen depression.

How Can You Prevent Obesity-Related Loss of Hearing?

A nutritious diet and a day to day exercise campaign are essential to controlling obesity-related health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Your ears will most certainly be kept in better shape if you keep yourself healthy. A good place to start is a consultation with a nutritionist who can assist you to develop a plan that is customized for you and is focused on assisting you to reach your goals. The nutritionist can make certain you’re consuming healthy foods with the best combination of nutrients, like foods that are high in iron, because of course, a lack of iron in your diet can exacerbate your hearing loss and result in tinnitus.

Learn more concerning hearing loss and the solutions available to let you hear better.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.