We’ve known for a long time that eating too much is harmful to our health, this is especially true over longer periods of time. There are quite a few health conditions that are connected to obesity. 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, hearing loss is an obstacle for around 20% of the U.S population, and almost twice that number of adults, 93 million, are obese. These numbers are surprising and point to a serious health issue throughout the country.
What is The Connection Between Loss of Hearing And Obesity?
Various studies have shown that there’s a connection between being overweight and loss of hearing. Exactly what that connection is, is still being studied, it’s believed that being overweight is connected to hearing loss because the circulatory system is affected. Additionally, obesity is connected to diabetes and high blood pressure, which are also connected to loss of hearing.
The inner ears are filled with microscopic hairs that perceive sound in the ear. So that they can function correctly, these small hairs, called stereocilia, have to have a steady flow of blood. Due to obesity, the flow of blood is restricted throughout the body because, so they can get the blood flowing inside the body, the heart needs to do more work, which means that there is not enough blood flow available to your ear. The ears can be permanently injured by this. Because all of these conditions impact the blood flow, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes impact the inner ear in a similar way.
Keeping your weight under control is particularly relevant as you get older since age-related hearing loss and high-fat mass index are also related. In the past, your body’s metabolism worked faster and more efficiently, which is the reason why you should try to stick with healthy habits that you formed when you were younger.
Your ears and your overall health are benefited by a healthy diet.
Obesity Related Hearing Loss Treatment Options
If your hearing loss is caused by obesity, you may never be able to get it back, still, so that you can find out how extensive your loss of hearing is, it’s important to have your hearing examined. If the damage is permanent, you may require a hearing aid or other device to begin hearing properly again.
If the damage is not that extreme, you might have considered trying to see your doctor before your health becomes worse, about creating a diet and exercise plan to decrease the effect your weight has on your well being. Your doctor should prescribe a cardio intensive exercise routine that will strengthen your overall health and get your blood pumping. You will most likely find that other areas of your life also get better, mental health, for example, since regular exercise will reduce depression according to a lot of research.
How Can You Stop Obesity-Related Hearing Loss
In order to protect against obesity-related loss of hearing day to day exercise and a healthy diet are extremely important. Your hearing will certainly be kept in better condition if you keep yourself healthy. A strategy that can help you attain your goals and that is customized for you can be specially designed by a nutritionist. The role of the nutritionist is to make certain you’re eating the ideal mix of nutrients in healthy foods, foods that have plenty of iron, for example, since, you guessed it, a lack of iron in your diet can worsen your loss of hearing and lead to tinnitus.
Learn more concerning hearing loss and how you can hear better with the right treatment.