A Possible Link Between Exercise & Reduced Risk for Hearing Loss

Exercise is a well-known key to maintaining good health and wellbeing. From reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes to strengthening bones and muscles, the benefits of regular physical activity are many. But did you know that exercise may also help protect your hearing?

Recent research shows a link between exercise and reduced risk for hearing loss.

Three recent studies supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) have found that older adults with hearing loss may be more sedentary and have a greater decline in physical function than those without hearing loss. The studies suggest that treating hearing loss may be a way to promote healthy aging among older adults. The results of these studies were collected by measuring patterns of physical activity and assessing physical function over time. The studies found that people with mild to severe hearing loss tended to exercise less than those with normal hearing, and that those with hearing loss were more likely to have worse scores for physical function, balance, and walking speed. The studies also found that those who wore hearing aids had better walking endurance than those who did not treat their hearing loss.

So, why might exercise help protect hearing?

Exercise is known to have multiple health benefits, including improving cardiovascular health, which is important for maintaining good blood flow to all parts of the body, including the ears. Blood flow carries oxygen and nutrients to the ear, which can help to nourish and protect the delicate hair cells in the inner ear that are responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals that the brain can understand. When these cells are damaged, it can lead to hearing loss.

In addition to nourishing the cells in the ear, exercise can also help to reduce stress and inflammation in the body. Chronic stress and inflammation have been linked to hearing loss, as they can cause damage to the cells in the ear. Exercise has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and can also help to reduce stress by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the brain.

Regular physical activity can also help to maintain overall health, which is important for reducing the risk of age-related hearing loss. As we age, the risk of developing age-related hearing loss increases, but exercise has been shown to help reduce the risk of age-related chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. By keeping these diseases at bay, exercise can help to keep the body in good health, which can ultimately help to protect hearing.

Other tips to prevent hearing loss

But exercise isn’t the only thing you can do to protect your hearing. Here are a few other tips to keep in mind:

• Wear earplugs or noise-canceling headphones when you’re in loud environments.
• Limit your exposure to loud noises, such as music or power tools.
• Have your hearing tested regularly, especially as you get older.

In addition to exercise, early detection and treatment of hearing loss can also make a big difference in maintaining good hearing health. According to the study cited above, older adults who sought treatment for their hearing loss experienced a slower decline in their hearing compared to those who did not seek treatment.

We’re here to help you.

At our hearing practice, we understand how important your hearing is to your overall wellbeing and quality of life. That’s why we offer a range of services to help you keep your hearing at its best, including hearing tests, hearing aid fittings, and other hearing-related treatments.

If you’re experiencing any signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty hearing in noisy environments, trouble understanding speech, or ringing in your ears, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us today. With early detection and treatment, you can help protect your hearing and reconnect with your loved ones.

Don’t let hearing loss hold you back from enjoying all the things you love. Take charge of your hearing health today and schedule a consultation with our hearing practice. We’re here to help you hear better and live better.