We’ve long known that overeating is harmful to our health, especially over longer periods of time. Obesity is connected to a number of health issues. Heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and you can add hearing loss to the list, as well. It’s estimated that about 48 million people in the United States, approximately 20% of this country’s population, suffer from hearing loss, and in adults it’s nearly twice that number, 93 million, are obese. These figures are staggering and point to a significant health problem throughout the country.
What is The Link Between Loss of Hearing And Obesity?
Various studies have demonstrated that there’s a link between being overweight and hearing loss. Although researchers are still researching the link, it’s thought that hearing loss and obesity have a relationship because the circulatory system is affected. In addition, obesity is associated with high blood pressure and diabetes, which are also connected to hearing loss.
Sound in the ear is detected by small hairs inside the inner ear. So that they can function properly, these tiny hairs, called stereocilia, need a steady blood flow. Due to obesity, the flow of blood is restricted in the body since, in order to get the blood flowing throughout the body, the heart needs to do additional work, which means that there is not enough blood flow available to your ear. Your hearing can be irreversible harmed by this. As all of these conditions impact the flow of blood, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure impact the inner ear in the same way.
Keeping your weight in check is particularly worthwhile as you get older since age-related hearing loss and high-fat mass index are also related. Your body’s metabolism can’t work as fast or as well as it once did, which is why you need to try to stick with healthy habits that you started when you were younger.
A good diet and exercise are excellent for your over-all health and your hearing.
Treatments For Obesity-Associated Hearing Loss
If your loss of hearing is triggered by obesity, you might never be capable of getting it back, still, so that you can figure out how extensive your hearing loss is, it’s beneficial to get your hearing screened. If you have irreversible damage, you might need a hearing aid or other device to start hearing properly again.
If the injury is not that serious, you might have considered trying to see your physician about making an exercise and diet routine to minimize the impact your weight has on your well being before it gets any worse. Your doctor should recommend a cardio intensive exercise routine that will enhance your overall health and get your blood pumping. You will likely find that other aspects of your life also improve, like mental health, since regular exercise has been shown to lessen depression.
How to Prevent Obesity-Related Loss of Hearing
A balanced diet and a consistent exercise regime are crucial to stopping obesity-related health conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Your ears will undoubtedly be kept in superior shape if you keep your body healthy. A good place to start is to consult with a nutritionist who can assist you to develop a program that is personalized for you and is centered on helping you reach your goals. The task of the nutritionist is to make certain you’re eating nutritious foods with the correct combination of nutrients, foods that are high in iron, for instance, since, you guessed it, a lack of iron in your diet can trigger tinnitus and cause loss of hearing.
Learn more regarding hearing loss and how you can hear better with the right treatment.