Jim Fulham
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Fitness classes are a great way to release endorphins into your body and it makes you feel fantastic. However, what if these classes could be detrimental to your health?
To get the limbs moving and motivate the mind, many of these classes come with loud pounding music without careful consideration to how loud the music is. As a consequence, international studies have shown that participants in these fitness classes are at serious risk of damaging their hearing. Due to repeat behaviours, instructors are at even bigger risk.
Research from the US has shown that Zumba and Spinning classes are the biggest culprits with decibel levels between 90 and 110. This is somewhere between the loudness of a chainsaw and a jet engine. Free weights outside of the classes are not without their dangers either. Banging of dumbbell and barbell weights create sounds with intense shock waves. All of which can damage your hearing.
The fact is that noise-induced hearing loss is the leading cause of preventable hearing loss. Although you may eventually get used to the throbbing music in your Zumba class, your ears don’t.
To protect yourself when attending the gym, take precautions:
- Assess the noise level in the gym and notify management is you feel it’s too much.
- Wear ear plugs and position yourself away from speakers.
- Get yourself tested especially if you experience ringing in your ears
It is important to get your hearing tested if you have any concerns. Hidden Hearing provides professional hearing evaluation and hearing aids for all patients. If you have any questions about hearing loss contact Hidden Hearing on Freephone 1800 818 800.
