According to Colorado Otolaryngology Associates, a sudden sensorineural hearing loss is characterized as a change in hearing of 30 decibals over three continuous frequencies. Sudden hearing loss can be mild or profound and generally occurs over the space of a few hours. The symptoms can be ongoing or may subside over time, and strenuous exercise can be at the root of the problem.
Exercise and Noise
Exercising, when combined with noise, can result in hearing loss. Listening to music using headphones can make the inner ear more prone to damage, and loud music during fitness classes and at gyms also can have an impact on your hearing. Symptoms associated with sudden hearing loss include dizziness and ear fullness and is preceded by ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus.
Large Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome
Large vestibular aqueduct syndrome is a condition caused by intracranial pressure and can be exacerbated by strenuous exercise, according to Hearing Loss Help. The contents of the endolymphatic sac, which is located between the brain and skull, flows backward to the cochlea during the exercise, where the extra-high ionic content of the endolymph in the sac causes problems in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. This condition can be diagnosed by a medical professional through an MRI or CAT scan.
Perilymphatic Fistula
Strenuous exercise can cause a membrane in the inner ear to rupture allowing prelymph fluid to leak into the middle of the ear cavity. This is called perilymphatic fistula. This condition sometimes heals itself, but in a few cases, it requires surgery to fix, and it can be temporary or permanent. In most case, most of the hearing loss experienced returns over time, but there is some degree of permanent loss.
Yoga and Hearing Loss
Performing vigorous breathing exercises wrongly during yoga can result in the symptoms of vertigo and cause sudden hearing loss. Alternate nostril breathing is an ancient practice of yoga that involves inhaling life energy and exhaling negative energy. Done incorrectly, the middle part of the ear may be affected by a buildup of pressure. Swallowing during this time can make the problem worse and the resulting hearing loss may be permanent.
References
- Hearing Loss Help; Strenuous Exercise and Resulting Hearing Loss; Neil Bauman Ph.D.; August 2005
- Colorado Otolaryngology Associates, PC; Sudden Onset Hearing Loss; Kim Welsh.; 2011
- "Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport"; Effects of Submaximal Exercise and Noise Exposure on Hearing Loss; H.M. Alessio , et al.
- E A R/Aearo Company; Does Loud Music During Exercise Affect Hearing?; E.H. Berger; December 2003
- Medscape; Sudden Hearing Loss Associated With Yoga Breathing Exercise; Bruce M. Gardner; 2001
