What's Your Opinion on Otoconia and Its Relevance to Possible Worsening of Tinnitus?

[jss]

"You might be surprised to learn that certain exercises can cause or worsen tinnitus. Through a research study, Dr. Michael I. Weintraub of the New York Medical College discovered that there may be an association between high-impact aerobics and hearing dysfunctions. The jarring of the head that occurs in high-impact aerobics causes the otoconia, calcium crystals in our ears, to be jarred out of their normal places, causing inner ear problems. If you have tinnitus, you should avoid any exercises that involve jarring movements and a lot of jumping. High-impact aerobics, running, basketball, football, soccer and volleyball should be done in moderation, if at all."

link

http://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/06/us/inner-ear-may-take-beating-from-high-impact-aerobics.html

Thanks and much respect,
JSS

 

[Dr. Nagler]

Hi @jss -

Interesting theory. Beyond that I do not have an opinion one way or another.

FWIW in terms of the incidence of tinnitus in those who participate in high-impact aerobics, I feel that there is a far greater likelihood that the problem is related to noise exposure than to the effect of exercise on otoliths.

Dr. Stephen Nagler