Regular exercise is a key component of a healthy lifestyle, and it has significant benefits for physical and mental wellness. You may not realize it, but exercise can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases and various health conditions, including hearing loss.
How Does Exercise Improve Hearing Health?
The auditory system is intimately tied to the cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) system and depends on it to function. Delicate cells in the inner ear, which are a critical component of the auditory system, are very sensitive to changes in blood flow and can become damaged if blood flow is restricted. When the cells become damaged, they do not regenerate, leading to hearing loss.
Exercise improves cardiovascular health. It gets your blood pumping, strengthens your heart and improves circulation and blood flow throughout your body, including the auditory system. This maintains the auditory system’s proper functioning and reduces the chance of damage to the inner ear cells. Additionally, exercise can help manage other health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, which are known to reduce blood flow to your ears and cause hearing loss.
What Does the Research Say?
Studies indeed indicate a correlation between regular exercise and hearing health. According to this 2014 study, a positive relationship exists between the health of the cardiovascular system and the functional ability of the inner ear’s organs and tissues. Furthermore, this study found that adults aged 60-69 who do not engage in any physical activity have poorer hearing when compared to adults in the same age range who lead an active lifestyle. The better performance of the active participants was seen regardless of whether they engaged in light, moderate or vigorous physical activity.
What Exercises Benefit Hearing?
There are many ways to exercise regularly, in a way you enjoy and that fits your lifestyle. Cardiovascular exercises (often called cardio for short) will have the most direct effect on your auditory system and hearing health, as they specifically strengthen the cardiovascular system. Some examples of these include:
- Walking or jogging
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Yoga or Tai Chi
- Hiking
- Gardening
- Taking a fitness class at a gym or local community center
However you get your exercise, aim for 30 minutes of physical activity a day, five days a week.
Can Exercise Completely Prevent Hearing Loss?
Sometimes hearing loss is out of our control. Many factors can affect hearing health or lead to hearing loss, such as loud noise exposure, genetic factors and other underlying health conditions. But while there is no way to prevent hearing loss entirely, you can minimize your risk by exercising regularly and making other healthy lifestyle choices.
If you notice any changes in your hearing for any reason, it’s recommended that you get your hearing tested. Early detection is key to maintaining hearing health before hearing loss progresses further. Contact Gary D. Schwartzberg, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology today for more information or to make an appointment.