Move It! How Exercise Keeps Your Hearing in Shape

Need some extra motivation to stick with your exercise routine? Research shows regular activity can help your auditory system stay strong, delaying age-related hearing loss.  

The best part? You don’t have to be a gym rat to reap the benefits. Even moderate-intensity activities like brisk walking or cycling can help preserve your hearing health by increasing blood flow to the ears, keeping the inner ear functioning optimally.   

The Research Doesn’t Lie 

Regularly breaking a sweat has its benefits. Studies reveal that people over 50 who are genetically disposed to hearing loss and complete 20–30 minutes of cardio five times a week have a better chance of keeping their hearing system healthy than people who don’t exercise as frequently.  

In addition, individuals over 50 who have moderate or high cardiovascular fitness levels maintain hearing sensitivity comparable to people in their 30s, keeping age-related hearing loss at bay.  

Adding Exercise to Your Day

Not getting the recommended 20–30 minutes of daily aerobic activity? No worries. It’s easy to sneak exercise into your schedule. 

• Engage in short bursts of activity—you need 20–30 minutes of total exercise daily, not all in one session, so break up those 30 minutes into two 15-minute chunks. 
• Pick types of cardio you enjoy—if suffering through a step class is a slog, stop. Find activities you find fun and can commit to doing regularly.
• Team up with a workout buddy—having a friend or two to motivate and hold you accountable will keep you on track. Consider joining a hiking group, or ask your work pal to join you on a quick walk during lunch.

Stay Healthy, Happy and Hearing Well

If you are already experiencing signs of hearing loss, consider seeking help sooner rather than later. Untreated hearing loss can affect your overall well-being, putting you at risk for depression, cognitive decline and falls.     

You deserve to live a life full of good health and happiness. Exercising regularly, getting hearing checkups and receiving hearing loss treatment if needed make it more likely that you can!  

To schedule your hearing checkup, request an appointment today!