Obesity is a major pandemic in the modern era, and the number of overweight people is increasing worldwide. It is not only a warning for your physical health but also may harm your auditory health.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a serious disease where the body stores an excessive amount of fat, primarily around the stomach, hips, and thighs.

It is determined by calculating the body mass index (BMI), which is the weight of a person in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters.

An individual is considered obese if the BMI is at least 30. Obesity has been linked to numerous diseases, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, inflammatory illnesses, and certain kinds of cancers.

Additionally, it has a direct effect on your hearing health.

How Can Obesity Affect Hearing?

Studies show a link between obesity and hearing loss. Research suggests that obesity can induce both sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the nerves inside the inner ear, also known as hair cells, are damaged or die off. Hair cells are critical because they convert sound waves into electrical impulses that the brain interprets as sound.

In contrast, conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a blockage in the outer or middle ear, preventing sound from reaching the inner ear.

The link between Obesity and Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Obesity causes a host of physiological changes in the body, including inflammation.

Research indicates that inflammation caused by obesity may cause damage to the hair cells’ tiny blood vessels, impairing the blood flow and oxygen supply to the cochlea, which eventually leads to sensorineural hearing loss.

Additionally, research from the University of Florida finds that individuals with obesity have a 17% higher risk of developing hearing loss than slender individuals.

Similarly, in a study carried out by the National Institute of Health, they found out that individuals with obesity are 68% more likely to develop hearing loss.

The Link Between Obesity and Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a blockage in the path of sound waves travelling through the outer or middle ear, preventing sound from reaching the inner ear.

Obesity can cause or exacerbate the onset of ear infections, particularly otitis media, which leads to conductive hearing loss.

: How to Reduce the Risk of Hearing Loss due to Obesity

There are various ways to reduce the risk of hearing loss due to obesity. These include:.

: 1. Following a Healthy Diet

Following a well-balanced, healthy diet is essential when it comes to combating obesity and other associated illnesses. A well-balanced diet combined with exercise promotes general health as well as ear health.

: 2. Excercise

Underlying obesity and being overweight can be reduced through proper exercise. Moreover, exercise will help in keeping the blood pressure normal, thus preventing hearing loss.

Physical activity leads to increased blood flow, which strengthens the hair cells inside the inner ear and protects them.

: 3. Monitoring Blood Sugar

Too much sugar in the blood can damage the tiny blood vessels in the cochlea, impairing its capacity to transmit electrical impulses from the hair cells to the brain.

: 4. Monitoring Blood Pressure

High blood pressure also affects the tiny blood vessels in the cochlea, ultimately leading to hearing impairment.

: 5. Protecting Your Ears From Loud Sounds

Sounds that are too high in decibels may damage your ear hair cells, potentially leading to hearing loss. It’s essential to take precautions such as wearing earplugs or being cautious around loud noises to protect your hearing.