Medical science has already proven a connection between Diabetes and hearing loss, but your general fitness levels can also play a large factor in your ultimate hearing health.
According to a recent study conducted by Research Magazine, fitter bodies are less prone to hearing loss than their out-of-shape counterparts. BMI, as well as waist/hip ratio, can predict a host of health risks. The study suggests that hearing sensitivity is a common side effect of poor cardiovascular health, and looked at 67 adults, some with a normal BMI range and some who were considered clinically obese. According to their initial findings, “…individuals who were classified with normal BMI levels had normal hearing, while those with BMI values classified as obese had poorer hearing at 8000Hz.” Put simply, this is because the veins and arteries that feed the blood vessels in the extremities of the body are not well fed in people with poor circulation and high BMI—and the impacted areas include the ears.
A person’s unique body shape can also play a role in their hearing health. People with “apple-shaped” physiques that accumulate fat around the waist, for instance, are at a higher risk for heart disease and diabetes. No surprise, they are also more prone to hearing loss.
To stave off the risk of obesity and its associated health concerns, regular aerobic exercise is recommended, along with a heart-healthy diet. For more information and details, see the original April 2014 article in Research Magazine entitled “Fitness and Better Hearing, Part 2.”