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

It’s well known, that over longer periods of time, overeating will be harmful to your health. There are a number of health conditions related to obesity. You can add hearing loss to high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes as a possible issue. It’s calculated that around 48 million individuals in the U . S ., around 20% of this country’s population, have loss of hearing, and in adults it’s virtually double that number, 93 million, are obese. These figures are shocking and point to a serious health problem throughout the country.

What is The Relationship Between Hearing Loss And Obesity?

Various studies have revealed that hearing loss and obesity have a connection. Precisely what that connection is, is still being investigated, it’s thought that loss of hearing and obesity have a connection because the circulatory system is impacted. In addition, obesity is associated with diabetes and high blood pressure, which are also connected to loss of hearing.

Sound in the ear is detected by tiny hairs inside the inner ear. These little hairs, called stereocilia, need a steady flow of blood and oxygen to function correctly. Due to obesity, the flow of blood is restricted throughout the body because the heart must work harder to get the blood to flow around the body, which means that there is not enough blood flow available to your ear. The ears can be permanently damaged by this. Because all of these illnesses impact the flow of blood, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure impact the inner ear in a similar way.

Keeping your weight under control is especially worthwhile as you get older 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 follow healthy habits that you started when you were younger.

A healthy diet and exercise are great for your over-all health and your hearing.

Obesity Related Hearing Loss Treatments

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 determine the scope of your hearing loss. If the injury is permanent, you may need a hearing aid or other device to begin hearing properly again.

If the damage is only slight, you may want to see your doctor about initiating a diet and exercise program to reduce the impact your weight has on your well being before it gets any worse. Your doctor should prescribe a cardio intensive exercise routine that will enhance your overall health and get your blood pumping. There will be, most likely, other improvements in your life also, mental health, as an example, since day to day exercise will decrease depression according to many studies.

How Can You Avoid Obesity-Related Hearing Loss

So that you can protect against obesity-related loss of hearing regular exercise and a healthy diet are extremely important. Your hearing will definitely be kept in superior condition if you keep your body healthy. A program that can assist you to reach your goals and that is customized for you can be planned by a nutritionist. The nutritionist can make certain you’re eating the best combination of nutrients in healthy foods, foods that are high in iron, for instance, since, you guessed it, a lack of iron in your diet can worsen your loss of hearing and trigger tinnitus.

Learn more about hearing loss and how you can hear better with the appropriate treatment method.

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.