It’s well understood, that over longer periods of time, overeating will be unhealthy 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 potential issue. It’s estimated that roughly 48 million people in the U . S ., around 20% of this country’s population, are suffering from loss of hearing, and around double that amount of adults, 93 million, are obese. These numbers are staggering and point to a serious health problem throughout the country.
What is The Connection Between Loss of Hearing And Obesity?
Various studies have shown that loss of hearing and being overweight have a relationship. While experts are still researching the link, it’s assumed that loss of hearing and being overweight have a relationship because of its impact on our circulatory system. Also, obesity is associated with high blood pressure and diabetes, which are also connected to hearing loss.
Sound in the ear is detected by tiny hairs in the inner ear. These little hairs, called stereocilia, need a steady blood flow and oxygen to function properly. Because of obesity, the flow of blood is restricted throughout the body because the heart will have to work harder to get the blood to flow around the body, which means that there is not enough blood flow supplied to your ear. This could permanently harm the ears. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes affect the inner ear in a similar manner, since all of these conditions adversely effects your circulation.
Keeping your weight in check is particularly relevant 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 did in the past, which is the reason why you should try to formulate good habits when you’re younger and stay to those habits as you get older.
Your hearing and your general health are benefited by good nutrition.
Obesity Related Loss of Hearing Treatment Options
It’s feasible that you might not be capable of recovering your lost hearing if it’s triggered by obesity, nonetheless, it’s always good to have your hearing examined to determine the scope of your hearing loss. If you have permanent damage, you may require a hearing aid or other device to start hearing properly again.
If the damage is not that extreme, you might need to consult your doctor about initiating a diet and exercise strategy to minimize the effect your weight has on your well being before it gets any worse. Your doctor should set up a cardio intensive exercise regimen that will get your blood pumping and enhance your general health. There will be, most likely, other improvements in your life as well, like mental health, since consistent exercise has been shown to reduce depression.
How Can You Stop Obesity-Related Hearing Loss
In order to prevent obesity-related loss of hearing day to day exercise and a healthy diet are necessary. Your hearing will definitely be kept in better shape if you keep yourself healthy. A good place to start is to consult with a nutritionist who can help develop a plan that’s individualized for you and is focused on assisting you to attain your goals. The role of the nutritionist is to make sure you’re eating the correct blend of nutrients in nutritious foods, including foods that have plenty of iron, because of course, a lack of iron in your diet can result in tinnitus and cause hearing loss.
Learn more regarding hearing loss and the solutions available to let you hear better.