We’ve known for a long time that eating too much is harmful to our health, especially over time. Obesity is connected to a number of health concerns. You can add hearing loss to high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes as a potential issue. It’s estimated that around 48 million individuals in the United States, approximately 20% of this country’s population, are suffering from loss of hearing, and nearly twice that number of adults, 93 million, are obese. Throughout the country, these surprising statistics point to a significant health problem.
What is The Link Between Loss of Hearing And Obesity?
Several studies have revealed that hearing loss and obesity have a relationship. Even though researchers are still investigating the link, it’s believed that being overweight is connected to loss of hearing because the circulatory system is impacted. Also, obesity is linked to high blood pressure and diabetes, which are also connected to hearing loss.
The inner ears are filled with tiny hairs that detect sound in the ear. These little hairs, called stereocilia, have to have a steady flow of blood and oxygen to work properly. Because of obesity, the flow of blood is restricted throughout the body since, so that it can keep the blood flowing throughout the body, the heart needs to do more work, which means that your inner ear is functioning on too little blood flow. This could irreversibly damage the ears. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes impact the inner ear in a similar way, as all of these conditions adversely impacts your blood flow.
Keeping your weight under control is particularly important 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 more efficiently and faster, which is why you need to attempt to stick to healthy habits that you formed when you were younger.
Your hearing and your general health are helped by good nutrition.
Obesity Related Hearing Loss Treatments
It’s a possibility that you might not be able to recover your lost hearing if it’s brought on by obesity, however, it’s always best to get your hearing examined to identify the extent of your loss of hearing. If you have permanent injury, you might require a hearing aid or other device to begin hearing correctly again.
If the damage is not that extreme, you might need to consult your doctor before your health becomes worse, about making a diet and exercise plan to minimize the effect your weight has on your well being. Your doctor should recommend a cardio intensive exercise routine that will help improve your overall health and get your blood pumping. There will be, more than likely, other improvements in your life also, mental health, for instance, since consistent exercise has been shown to decrease depression.
How to Prevent Obesity-Related Loss of Hearing
diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure Your hearing will certainly be kept in superior condition if you keep your body healthy. A good place to start is to consult with a nutritionist who can assist you to develop a plan that’s customized for you and is centered on helping you achieve your goals. The task of the nutritionist is to make certain you’re eating healthy foods with the best blend of nutrients, including foods that have plenty of iron, because of course, a lack of iron in your diet can aggravate your loss of hearing and result in tinnitus.
Learn more about hearing loss and how you can hear better with the right treatment.