It’s well-known that exercise and physical activity benefit many aspects of your health, from physical to emotional. Because it affects almost every aspect of your health, it’s not surprising that it impacts your hearing health, as well.
Does Working Out Improve Hearing Health?
A 2021 study analyzing adults aged 60-69 found that hearing loss was associated with poorer physical activity. The adults who maintained some exercise regimen, even a moderate one, had significantly better hearing than those who did not.
The main reason for this is that exercise is excellent for the heart and blood vessels, or the cardiovascular system. Our ears need blood to hear properly. Blood flow to the inner ear keeps the delicate organs inside working efficiently, and restricted blood flow can cause permanent damage to those organs. Keeping your heart strong and your blood vessels working efficiently is key to keeping your hearing health intact.
Can Working Out Harm Hearing Health?
Working out has incredible benefits, but working out poorly or incorrectly can cause more harm than good. Make sure you’re always exercising safely by practicing the following:
- Don’t strain while weightlifting. Heavy exertion, like straining, causes pressure in the brain and ears. If you overexert too far, you may experience your ears popping, muffled hearing or tinnitus. If the pressure mounts even further, it could lead to a small tear in the membrane between the inner ear and the middle ear, called a fistula. Reduce your weight to reduce strain.
- Don’t hold your breath. This goes along with straining; holding your breath while exercising will also increase cranial (brain) and ear pressure. Never hold your breath while exercising.
- Don’t smash weights. Dropping heavy weights on the ground is incredibly loud, and sudden loud noises like that can cause noise-induced hearing loss.
Additionally, you can protect your hearing while working out by wearing earplugs or headphones, although if you’re listening to music, make sure the volume isn’t too loud, and doesn’t exceed more than 60% of the maximum level.
For more information on how working out can affect your hearing and help you stay on top of your hearing health, contact San Diego Hearing Center today.