{"id":667,"date":"2022-08-18T00:11:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-18T00:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/torranceaudiology.com\/?p=667"},"modified":"2022-08-18T00:11:00","modified_gmt":"2022-08-18T00:11:00","slug":"is-there-a-link-between-sun-exposure-hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/torranceaudiology.com\/is-there-a-link-between-sun-exposure-hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Is There a Link Between Sun Exposure & Hearing Loss?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The most common causes of hearing loss<\/a> are old age and exposure to loud noises. But another cause you may not know about is sun exposure. Yes, exposure to UV rays can cause cancer, other damaging conditions, and hearing problems. We review this link below.<\/p>\n

What Do the Studies Show?<\/h2>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

One Japanese study<\/a> of over 800 people over 65 sought to examine the relationship between sun exposure and hearing ability. To do this, researchers analyzed the participants\u2019 facial skin condition with image analysis of standardized facial images. They also used audiometric tests to measure hearing ability.<\/p>\n

What they found was a correlation between excessive skin exposure and hearing loss. \u201cThe results support the hypothesis that chronic sun exposure is a risk factor of hearing impairment,\u201d the study authors explained.<\/p>\n

Why Is there a Link?<\/h2>\n

Excessive exposure to UV rays found in harsh sunlight can increase oxidative stress, a condition that damages health and causes the body to age more rapidly.<\/p>\n

Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. While free radicals are necessary to fight infections, they also break down fatty tissue, DNA and proteins in your body when not balanced with antioxidants. When free radicals break down your body, your hearing also suffers.<\/p>\n

How Can I Protect Myself from the Sun?<\/h2>\n

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services<\/a> reports that one in three Americans gets sunburnt each year. A sunburn is a clear sign of overexposure to UV rays.<\/p>\n

Protect yourself from dangerous, cancer-causing UV rays by:<\/p>\n