Sun exposure & hearing loss

Is there a link between sun exposure & hearing loss?

What Causes Hearing Loss? Most people would name aging and loud noises as the primary reasons for hearing loss, and they would be right. But there is another, lesser-known, risk factor: too much sun exposure. We review the link between these two conditions below.

What the Study Shows?

In 2013, a Japanese study was published in the Journal of Gerontology (Series A). The study focused on 805 elderly people aged 65 and over in Kurabuchi Town (Gunma prefecture) in 2005 and 2006.

The researchers quantified the facial skin condition using standardised facial images and measured hearing impairment through pure-tone audio metrics.

They found a positive relationship between facial wrinkle and hearing impairment, especially in men. The researchers concluded that chronic sun exposure may be a risk factor for hearing impairment.

Why the Link?

The link between the sun and hearing loss is caused by oxidative stress. oxidative stress is when your body has too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants.

Free radicals are needed to fight infections, but they also break down your body’s fatty tissue, DNA, and proteins when they’re not properly balanced. Exposure to UV rays in harsh sunlight increases oxidative stress, which causes you to age faster and contributes to hearing loss.

How You Can Protect Yourself?

You can protect yourself by:

• Applying sunscreen of at least 30 SPF daily, reapplying regularly when spending time outdoors, even if it’s cloudy.
• Wearing a wide-brimmed sun hat when working outside.
• Doing outdoor activities early in the morning and late in the evening.
• Avoiding tanning salons.

If you do burn yourself while outdoors, make sure to eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. You can also apply aloe gel to your burn to help boost antioxidants and reduce free radicals.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Kilmarnock Hearing Centre today.