Regular exercise has benefits for people of all ages. Besides boosting our mood, keeping our heart healthy, managing blood sugar levels, and keeping our weight down and our muscles strong, the effects of an exercise regimen are far-reaching. Now researchers believe that instituting a regular fitness routine may help to reduce your risk for hearing loss later in life.
The link between exercise and hearing loss
Healthy hearing relies on a regular supply of blood flow to the auditory system. When the tiny hairs called cilia of the inner ear that send sound information to the brain to be processed can become damaged due to poor blood supply. To make it simple, the connection between exercise and hearing loss rests in increased blood flow due to a regular exercise regime.
Many researchers believe this is enough to lessen the risk of hearing loss. Researchers have found that when mice do not get enough exercise, the actual structures of their auditory systems begin to collapse. This is close to the human auditory experience as well. We have a higher chance of improved hearing health when we stay active.
Research on exercise and hearing health
A study from Johns Hopkins University explored links between physical activity and hearing ability and found that low levels of physical activity increased the incidence of hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is the breakdown of hearing over a lifetime. When we commit to getting our heart rate up for at least 30 minutes about five times a week, we increase our chances of maintaining healthy blood flow, which affects our hearing health.
While many factors affect your hearing, adding daily exercise to your daily routine can raise your chances of hearing healthy into your golden years.
Healthy habits
Many factors affect hearing health, including lifestyle, eating habits, genetics, head injury, and exposure to loud noises. When we commit to a healthy diet and a healthy exercise regimen, this affects our emotional, physical, and hearing health.
The best kind of exercise that you can do to prevent hearing loss is the activity that you’ll do. Many people make unrealistic resolutions that they will exercise for hours every day starting on the New Year or a birthday. While these exercise regimens often start strong, they may take up too much time to fit into a daily schedule, and people fall off of the habit. Sadly it’s your health that loses in these instances.
Choose an exercise that you can do easily. Try a high-energy dance or yoga class you can do via video in your home. If you live close to work or school, try biking instead of driving. Even a twenty-minute walk is better than sitting all day with no exercise. Make exercise part of your everyday routine to ensure more excellent health for longer.
Keep the good feelings
Endorphins are one of many neurotransmitters released when you exercise. Physical activity also stimulates the release of the brain chemicals dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which play an essential part in regulating your mood.
Regular exercise can positively impact serotonin levels in your brain-boosting your mood and overall sense of well-being. A regular exercise routine also helps to improve appetite and sleep cycles. Remember that you are giving yourself a gift every time you exercise.
Even if it is uncomfortable at first or you feel too tired, often your mood and energy level will both rise with your heart rate. Think of the exercise as a gift and therapy to yourself to protect your hearing and improve your overall health.
Keep active – your ears will thank you
If you are dealing with diagnosed or undiagnosed hearing loss, navigating the day with this disability can be stressful. A regular exercise routine will help you work through this stress and perhaps even give you the motivation to seek treatment. After your workout, you will most likely feel calmer.
The sooner you deal with hearing loss, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of hearing aids. Hearing aids make it easier to communicate, stay social and stay active. Enjoy an active and healthy life with hearing aids and regular exercise. Please do it for your hearing, do it for your health, and do it for your quality of life.