Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but for some people, a regular exercise routine can cause hearing issues, specifically tinnitus. Tinnitus is a condition characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears that is not caused by an external sound source. It can range from mild to severe and can be very distracting and disruptive to everyday life.
The exact cause of tinnitus is not known, but there is some evidence that suggests that exercise may be a factor. One study found that intense physical activity, such as running, was associated with an increased risk of developing tinnitus. Other studies have found that people who exercise regularly are more likely to experience tinnitus than those who do not.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head when no external sound is present. It is a common condition that affects about one in five people. Symptoms can range from a mild ringing sound to a loud buzzing noise and can be present in one or both ears. Tinnitus is usually not a sign of a serious medical condition, but it can be bothersome and interfere with daily activities. Treatment options can include masking devices, hearing aids, relaxation techniques, and counseling.
Other types of tinnitus could be cause for concern. For instance, Pulsatile tinnitus is a rare form of tinnitus accounting for about 10% of the estimated 50 million people who have tinnitus. People who have pulsatile tinnitus hear a noise that may be loud or soft but often happens in time with their heartbeats. Like tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus isn’t a condition. It’s a symptom of conditions such as heart disease or diseases that affect your veins and arteries.
Could Your Exercise Routine Cause Tinnitus?
Specific exercises can cause or worsen tinnitus. Research points to a connection between high-impact aerobics and hearing dysfunction. The head jarring that typically occurs during high-impact aerobic workouts jars the otoconia, which are calcium crystals in our ears, out of place. The result is inner ear problems. If you have a lingering case of tinnitus, you may need to avoid or limit exercises that include jarring movements of the head like running, basketball, football, and soccer.
Straining while lifting weights and any other kind of heavy exertion causes pressure within the brain, known as intracranial pressure, which also puts pressure on the ears. This is compounded if you hold your breath. This pressure is similar to what you’d experience when taking off or landing in an airplane. In addition to a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears, straining can lead to a perilymph fistula, which is a small tear in the membrane between the middle and inner ear. If fluid leaks through the inner ear, it can cause dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing sensitivity.
Many people, including athletic trainers, feel the need to crank up the volume in order to get a more intense workout. However, doing so could cost you your hearing health. If you’re listening through headphones, make sure to set the volume at no more than 60% of the maximum level. If you enjoy working out in classes, ask the instructor to keep the volume turned down to a comfortable level, or bring earplugs.
What can you do to reduce your risk of developing tinnitus from exercise?
First, make sure that you are taking adequate rest days between workouts. Over-exercising can put a lot of strain on your body, which can lead to increased stress levels that may contribute to tinnitus. It’s also important to warm up properly before exercising and to make sure you are adequately hydrated throughout your workout.
Another way to lower your risk of tinnitus from exercise is to try different types of physical activity. Varying your routine can reduce the strain on your body, which may reduce your risk of developing tinnitus. Swimming, walking, and yoga are all low-impact activities that can provide a variety of health benefits without putting too much strain on your body.
If you experience ringing or buzzing in your ears after exercising, it’s important to consult with your doctor. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your tinnitus and provide you with the best treatment options.
Conclusion
As we all know, exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. However, it is important to be aware that a regular exercise routine can increase the risk of developing hearing issues like tinnitus or even hearing loss. To reduce this risk, make sure to take adequate rest days, warm up properly, and vary your physical activity. If you experience ringing or buzzing in your ears after exercising, it’s important to speak with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Be on the lookout for future articles. You will also want to search through the archives of our blog because there are many other articles that go into great depth about a variety of topics. Here are two for you to check out now!
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