Myth or Medical Miracle?
True! It is a real risk. A recent study in Laryngoscope, referenced in The New York Times, showed that there is a clear connection between obesity and hearing loss in adolescents. What doesn’t obesity cause? Obesity affects 18.5% of American teens and is responsible for $117 billion in medical care yearly in the US alone.
But with well-known connections between obesity and heart disease, diabetes and premature death, this connection to hearing loss is a new bothersome but less life-threatening concern. Researchers believe that inflammation in the hearing system is the cause for hearing loss. This inflammation is associated with obesity. They suggest that as time goes on, hearing loss may progress. Don’t lose hope though! They also believe that early weight loss can prevent the progression.
Dr. Yagoda, an otolarynologist, can evaluate you if you think you are experiencing hearing loss. She can help musicians and others protect their hearing as well. Come in for a consultation and fuel your body with knowledge to continue hearing life’s music!