A Possible Link Between Exercise & Reduced Risk for Hearing Loss

The benefits of regular exercise have long been trumpeted. Since history has been recorded, humans have understood that physical movement and exertion are of benefit to the mind and body. Marcus Cicero, a Roman politician said that “It is exercise alone that supports the spirits and keeps the mind in vigor” all the way back in 65 BC. And this proves even more powerful of a statement in today’s times, in which so much of our previously necessary labor, even transportation, has become mechanized. We go much longer distances at much faster speeds with extremely minimal energetic output.

This is all to say that the habit of regular exercise is even more important for the modern lifestyle. Exercise benefits the physical systems of the body, assists in positive body image and acts as a powerful stress reducer. What’s more, a new study shows that the tendrils of exercise benefit extend so far as to keep our hearing systems healthy and happy!

One of the most powerful motivators to exercise remains maintaining a healthy weight. Perhaps this is because it is the most visible way we can measure the effects of exercise. However, so much of the positive reverberations of exercise are invisible to the human eye. The cardiovascular system is dramatically more robust when a regular fitness regime is practiced. There is a well-documented body of research that states the direct correlation between inactivity and cardiovascular mortality. Physical inactivity is directly linked as an independent risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease. This system is so vital to the overall functioning of the entire human physiology as it is responsible for the way we take in oxygen and transport it throughout the body. Each and every cell in our body requires a flow of oxygen, as it is through this process that the cells take in the energy required to do their jobs.

In a recent study, researchers reported that a lack of aerobic exercise in mice resulted in cochlea collapse or deterioration. This means that the tiny, sensitive structures of the inner ear that are responsible for receiving sound information were more likely to suffer degeneration without regular physical exercise.

It is perhaps because of the cardiovascular system that causes cellular damage as a result of a lack of physical exercise. As we know, each cell needs oxygen to function in a healthy manner. The tiny structures of the inner ear are a hard to reach little village of cells, requiring the additional support of a challenged cardiovascular system in order to regularly transport good doses of oxygen all the way to them.

This sort of cellular deterioration is the cause of most age-related hearing loss. When the inner ear structures are no longer able to successfully receive sound, that sound cannot be transmitted to the brain and the entire hearing system fails. This type of hearing loss is pervasive, with almost one out of every three persons over the age of 65 being affected by this condition. It’s also irreversible. No amount of therapy in the world can restore hearing back to normal functions after age-related hearing loss begins to present itself. It is only through the intervention of hearing aids are people with this condition able to regain or preserve some hearing function.

The amount of exercise prescribed for a healthy body and mind can vary. The United States Surgeon General’s 1996 Report recommends that every adult should participate in moderate exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes per day. The American Heart Association, a group that knows a thing or two about cardiovascular health, recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise. A combination of moderate and vigorous activity is also acceptable.

The best way to incorporate exercise into your regular routine is to find an activity you enjoy. Make a daily date with an audio book or a podcast. You’ll burn miles on the treadmill all while taking some time for yourself and feeding your imagination. If the thought of thirty minutes on a treadmill makes you shudder, think about enlisting a friend to start a walking routine together. This could be time spent catching up and connecting as well as a good boost for your physical and mental wellness!

A hearing exam is an important part of staying healthy. For people over the age of 50, it is recommended to have an annual hearing exam. Take the step toward better hearing and contact us at HearCare today!