How Weight Gain Impacts Your Hearing

Overeating poses adverse effects to one's health; studies suggest that carrying extra pounds, especially around the waist, is among the causes of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and even hearing loss. In the US alone, the CDC estimates about 93 million individuals are overweight with BMIs of between 25 and 29.9 and obese with BMIs over 30. With these staggering figures, health concerns have started arising, especially around diet.

The connection between obesity and hearing loss

Obesity doesn't directly cause hearing loss, but it can lead to it. Many researchers are yet to give a clear link, but one thing is for sure; there is a relationship between hearing loss and obesity. Hearing loss is linked to high blood pressure and diabetes that are also linked to obesity. Furthermore, obesity affects the circulatory system, hence impacting your hearing.

The ear is a highly metabolically active body part, which depends on an adequate blood flow to work well. Obesity, on the other hand, compromises blood flow because it narrows the blood vessels. Restricting blood flow to the cochlea, the heating chamber of the inner ear prevents the ear from restoration after damage, hence diminishing its function.

Another connection between obesity and hearing loss is in regards to stereocilia. Stereocilia are the tiny hairs in the inner ear that detect sound. When blood flow is restricted due to obesity, the heart has to work harder to supply blood. In this case, your ear operates on a smaller amount of blood, causing permanent damage.

As you age, maintaining a healthy weight is of the essence, mainly because a higher fat mass index also impacts age-related hearing loss. In your youth, your metabolism works fast and efficiently. However, as you age, it slows down, hence why you should stick with healthy eating habits and be active from a young age.

Treatment solutions for obesity-related hearing loss

If you’re obese and you suspect that it is the cause of your hearing loss, make a point of visiting an audiologist for screening. Your audiologist will measure the extent of your hearing loss and provide solutions. You can receive treatment, but if the degree of hearing loss is irreversible, you might need them to customize hearing aids for you.

If the extent of damage is not too bad, your audiologist may advise on a diet or workout plan to reduce the impact of your weight on your health before it worsens. A workout plan from home or a gym membership can come in handy to enhance your overall well-being and get the blood circulating efficiently. Similarly, you will improve other aspects of your life, like your mental health, career, and social life.

Steps to preventing obesity-associated hearing loss

1. Be active

Staying active is essential to keeping your weight in check; it also strengthens your heart to pump blood efficiently. Exercising enables you to burn fat that clogs the blood vessels and restricts enough blood supply to the ears. It also reduces your chances of getting diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases directly linked to hearing loss. Create a suitable home workout plan and stick to it or get a gym membership.

2. Get a good night’s sleep

Sleep is essential in weight loss; after a day's workout, you need enough rest to re-energize your body. Sleep also aids in digestion and reduces stress levels that cause stress eating and ultimately obesity. Stick to a bedtime routine and practice good sleep hygiene to get to a healthy weight and reduce its impact on your hearing loss.

3. Consume a healthy diet

Consuming a healthy diet is vital in keeping away obesity-associated diseases; you are what you eat. However, even as you consume healthy foods, remember to eat only what your body needs; avoid overeating, especially before bedtime, as it slows down digestion and disturbs your sleep. A balanced diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains, plus healthy fats, keeps you fit while maintaining good hearing.

Plan your meals to prevent snacking or keep healthy snacks where you can access them easily. Alternatively, have a nutritionist customize a diet for you to ensure you’re getting the essential nutrients.

4. Supplement

In addition to eating healthily, take supplements; they can assist where you lack a particular nutrient in your meal. Iron is especially essential if you're experiencing hearing loss; lack of enough of it aggravates hearing loss and causes tinnitus.

Healthy oxygen and blood flow contribute significantly to your hearing. Obesity narrows the blood vessels by clogging them with fat, restricting their flow. Although obesity doesn't directly cause hearing loss, it impacts it. Learn more about the Physicians Hearing Center and call us at (334) 441-4090 to seek help from our professional audiologists.