To say exercise is beneficial isn’t exactly groundbreaking. Chances are, you already know it is good for you. But do you know how good? In addition to improved mood, a healthier heart and reduced risk of weight-related illness, regular physical activity may also be beneficial to your hearing. A recent study conducted as University of Florida has shown exercise to decrease the likelihood to developing age-related hearing loss in mice.
Age-related deterioration of the auditory system is one of the most common hearing loss causes. Hearing loss occurs gradually over many years as the result of damage to delicate hair cells of the inner ear and other parts in the auditory system. Loss of hearing is one of the most common conditions impacting seniors, as approximately 70 percent of individuals over 69 years of age have some degree of hearing loss.
Our auditory system needs to be well oxygenated in order to be healthy. The researchers at the University of Florida, among other things, studied the effects of oxygen on our hearing. Using two groups of mice, one with access to an exercise wheel and one without, the research team examined the impacts of a sedentary lifestyle on the animals.
The results of the study show that age-related inflammation results in damage to the the cells of the auditory system, a factor the active group were able to reduce by about 50 percent. The active group also had a much lower rate of auditory damage. While the sedentary mice experienced hearing loss at a rate of about 20 percent, only 5 percent of the active group had hearing loss.
The medical community hopes that these findings may also be applicable to humans. In fact, the National Institutes of Health (HIH) has already placed their bets on this theory. They are currently funding research to explore the molecules released during exercise and how they could be utilized to preserve hearing health.
While these solutions are not yet available to the general public, there are ways to maintain your auditory system. Audiologists recommend that people over the age of 50 receive annual hearing tests to monitor their hearing. Getting regular hearing exams can help individuals take control of their auditory health and, when necessary, treat hearing loss before unwanted complications arise. To find an audiologist in American Fork, we encourage you to contact our team. Our team of expert providers have been offering exceptional patient care to the American Fork community for years. To learn more about our services, call 801-763-0724.
