Obesity and Hearing Loss

Some factors contributing to hearing loss are not so apparent. While loud noises factor in with hearing loss in an obvious way, obesity is not so obvious of a contributor--just as genetics and your health are not as apparent, either.

Studies indicate that obesity can increase the chances of developing hearing loss. This fact means that hearing is connected to your overall health and calls for a need to action to have have a healthy lifestyle.

Poor health and poor hearing

​The way obesity influences your hearing is that it compromises blood flow and oxygen levels. A steady flow of blood and oxygen is needed for sound to function properly through tiny hair cells in your ears. The tiny hair cells detect sound. Your heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body with the added element of obesity. The arteries and capillaries that move blood and oxygen to fragile hair cells can become damaged. Once the hair cells are impaired, there’s no turning back. The resulting hearing loss is permanent. But weight may not be a direct cause per se. Type 2 diabetes and other diseases can result from obesity and may be the contributing factors to hearing loss.

Most overweight individuals are prone to Type 2 diabetes. This group is twice as likely to incur hearing loss. Heart disease also limits blood flow, which again can affect your inner ears. A larger and larger group of obese individuals is young people. They are less active and eat more in today’s world. Obese adolescents have more hearing loss than those who are not obese, according to studies.

Good health and better hearing

Being physically active and eating controlled portions of food, as well as nutritious food, are key to overall better health. In doing so, you limit your risk of developing hearing loss. Knowing that obesity and hearing loss are linked should be a primary motivator to be proactive about your health.

If you suspect you have hearing loss, contact your hearing instrument specialist at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for the best hearing test.

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