Is There a Link Between Sun Exposure & Hearing Loss?

What are the causes of hearing loss? Most people would name old age and exposure to loud noises, and they’d be correct. However, there’s another lesser-known cause: excessive sun exposure. We review the link between these two conditions in this post.

What the Study Shows

A Japanese study published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences in 2013 aimed to explore the relationship between sun exposure and hearing loss.

To do this, researchers worked with 805 residents of Kurabuchi Town, Gunma prefecture, Japan ages 65 and older between 2005 and 2006. They quantified facial skin condition using image analysis of standardized facial images, and they measured hearing impairment using pure-tone audiometric tests.

They found that facial wrinkle was positively associated with hearing impairment, particularly in men. The study authors report, “The results support the hypothesis that chronic sun exposure is a risk factor of hearing impairment.”

Why the Link?

This connection between sun exposure and hearing loss exists because of a phenomenon called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Though free radicals are necessary to fight infections, they also break down fatty tissue, DNA and proteins in the body when they’re not balanced with antioxidants.

If you’re exposed to UV rays found in harsh sunlight, it can increase oxidative stress, aging you more rapidly and contributing to hearing loss.

How You Can Protect Yourself

Approximately one in three Americans gets sunburnt each year, reports the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A sunburn is a clear sign of overexposure to UV rays.

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 get a sunburn while spending time at Kilmarnock Town Centre Park, you should consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, which contain antioxidants. You should also apply aloe vera gel to your sunburn in order to increase antioxidants and neutralize free radicals. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call The Audiology Offices today.