Effects of exercise training on hearing ability

Scand Audiol. 1998;27(4):219-24. doi: 10.1080/010503998420522.

Abstract

This study was designed to determine whether improvements in both cardiovascular fitness and hearing sensitivity occurred following 2 months of aerobic exercise training. Seventeen moderately-low fit (VO2 peak <32 ml/kg/min) young adults were evaluated for cardiovascular fitness and pure-tone and temporary threshold shifts (TTS) at 2, 3, and 4 kHz before and following 10 min of noise. Subjects exercised for 8 weeks by cycling on a bicycle ergometer at 70% of their peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak). Average VO2 peak increased 34% (p < 0.05) above pre-exercise training levels. Both pure-tone hearing (2 and 3 kHz) and TTS improved following 2 months of exercise training at the evaluated frequencies (2, 3, and 4 kHz) (p < 0.05). Cardiovascular health as indicated by VO2 peak was associated with hearing sensitivity. Although the mechanisms have not been identified, these results support the existence of a cardiovascular health-hearing synergism.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Audiometry, Pure-Tone
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Hearing / physiology*
  • Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / diagnosis
  • Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / prevention & control
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Time Factors