It’s well known, that over 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, also. It’s estimated that around 48 million individuals in the U . S ., around 20% of this country’s population, suffer from hearing loss, and in adults it’s virtually double that number, 93 million, are obese. These figures are staggering and point to a significant health problem throughout the country.
What is The Relationship Between Hearing Loss And Being Overweight?
Various studies have demonstrated that there’s a connection between obesity and loss of hearing. Specifically what that link is, is still being studied, it’s thought that obesity is linked to hearing loss because of its effect on our circulatory system. What’s more, obesity is associated with diabetes and high blood pressure, which are also connected to loss of hearing.
Sound in the ear is detected by small hairs inside the inner ear. These tiny hairs, called stereocilia, require a steady flow of blood and oxygen to work properly. Due to obesity, the blood flow is restricted throughout the body since, in order to keep the blood flowing inside the body, the heart must do more work, which means that there is not enough blood flow available to your ear. This can permanently harm the ears. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease impact the inner ear in the same way, as each of these diseases negatively impacts your blood flow.
It’s extremely necessary to keep your weight under control 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 fast or as well as it once did, which is the reason why you need to attempt to follow healthy habits that you started when you were younger.
Good nutrition and exercise are great for your general health and your ears.
Obesity Related Hearing Loss Treatment Options
It’s feasible that you may not be capable of recovering your lost hearing if it’s brought on by obesity, however, it’s always good to have your hearing evaluated to identify the scope of your loss of hearing. If the injury is irreversible, you might need a hearing aid or other device to start hearing properly again.
If the injury is not that severe, you may want to consult your physician about initiating a diet and exercise program 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 enhance your general health and get your blood pumping. You will most likely find that other aspects of your life also get better, such as mental health, since consistent exercise has been shown to reduce depression.
How Can You Avoid Obesity-Related Hearing Loss
In order to avoid obesity-related hearing loss consistent exercise and a nutritious diet are extremely important. staying healthy can also help keep your hearing in good condition. A plan that can assist you to reach your goals and that is individualized for you can be put together by a nutritionist. The nutritionist can make certain you’re consuming the correct blend of nutrients in nutritious foods, foods that have plenty of iron, for example, since, you guessed it, a lack of iron in your diet can trigger tinnitus and cause loss of hearing.
Find out more regarding hearing loss and the treatment options available to let you hear better.