A daily dose of exercise is good for many reasons, including protection against hearing loss, according to a study of women led by Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. It found that a higher body mass index (BMI), larger waist size, and lower physical activity were associated with an increased risk of hearing loss. The risk decreased with increasing levels of physical activity; even walking 2 hours or more per week. At CNC Hearing and Balance Center, these findings may provide insight into what causes acquired hearing loss and educate us on how to prevent it.
Senior couple with grandchildren on bikes
The study followed 68,421 female nurses from 1989 to 2009. Significant findings include:
- Women with waist sizes of 35 inches or more had a 27% higher risk of hearing loss.
- Women in the study pool who were the most physically active had a 17% lower risk of hearing loss compared to those who were not physically active.
So evidently, maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active, both relatively manageable lifestyle factors, may help reduce the risk of hearing loss.
Of course, a great way to preserve your hearing is to avoid loud noises. If you must be exposed to loud environments, wear hearing protection. Or, keep a safe distance, at least 10 feet or more away. Or better yet, move to a quiet place.
At CNC Hearing and Balance Center, our audiologists can custom fit earplugs to meet your needs. They are especially useful for musicians and people who work in heavy construction. The fitting takes only minutes. Hearing protection such as earplugs are recommended for children too, especially kids who play in high school or rock bands. Give us a call at CNC hearing Balance Center and we will schedule an appointment to evaluate your hearing and/or recommend a hearing device that’s best for you.
