Of balance - Special Report - hearing loss and vertigo may be caused by high decibel level of music in exercise classes

American Fitness, March-April, 2002 by Lisa Wolfe

Loud music, colorful clothing and dynamic exercise moves are all part of the atmosphere in a group fitness class. Instructors and their students are sweating in an effort to maintain or achieve a healthy body. This is a sight full of enthusiasm, determination and laughter. However, looking deeper, we also find vertigo (a spinning sensation), dizziness and lightheadedness. Ear ringing and fullness can also result from the high decibel level of music present in exercise classes. These can be serious and debilitating problems, yet they are not given enough attention.

Dr. Michael I. Weintraub, the Clinical Professor of Neurology at the New York Medical College, revealed the results of his vertigo study in the March 1994 issue of Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. Thirty females (12 high-impact group fitness instructors and 18 participants), who attended four or more classes a week, were observed for symptoms of vertigo and hearing loss. Vertigo, dizziness and balance dysfunction were present in 80 percent of the people studied, while ear ringing and muffling were present in 67 percent. Dr. Weintraub cites repetitive damage to the otoliths as the primary cause of vertigo. Otoliths are part of the organ of balance in the inner ear and contain hairs sensitive to movement along with cells capable of sensing body position. High-impact aerobics can jar otoliths loose and disrupt one's balance.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders (NIDCD), an estimated 2 million adults have chronic impairment due to dizziness or difficulty with balance. However, not all cases are caused by high-impact aerobics--many have undetermined causes. One may experience periods of dizziness for months and then the episodes disappear. These cycles of dizziness are usually Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). For example, one may feel dizzy or the room may appear to be spinning when one's head moves in a certain direction or when rolling over in bed. BPPV may also cause nausea, but both dizziness and nausea disappear in seconds. Although, BPPV can be bothersome, it is otherwise harmless. As instructors, it is important to consider that high-impact exercise moves may cause these episodes. The first step to protecting the inner ear is substituting high-impact moves with low-impact moves.

The second and third steps to preventing inner ear damage are teaching classes on proper flooring and wearing appropriate shoes. These steps reduce the amount of jarring to the ear. Teaching on carpet over cement cannot only damages the ankles and knees, it can also damage the inner ear. A suspended wood or cushioned floor provides better protection. In addition, appropriate footwear, such as aerobic or cross training shoes, should be worn when instructing. To prevent wear to these shoes, they should only be worn when teaching.

A fourth step to prevent inner ear problems is keeping music volume at a comfortable level. A study of the effect of simultaneous exercise and noise exposure (music) on hearing loss was presented in the September 1994 issue of Journal of the American Academy of Audiology. The study was performed on 12 healthy females. Each person was given three tests. The first test consisted of listening to music for 20 minutes. The second test consisted of exercising for 20 minutes on a cycle ergometer. Lastly, the third test consisted of a combination of the previous two tests. The results showed a greater increase in hearing loss when music and exercise were combined. Evidently, physical changes that occur in the body during exercise, such as chemical and temperature changes, blood pressure and increased heart rate, can affect the Organ of Corti (the hearing organ within the inner ear). The tonotopic basilar membrane of the Organ of Corti becomes damaged from high frequencies and can result in hearing loss.

Taking heed of daily actions can also be helpful. One can take precautions by making slow positional changes, such as carefully rolling over in bed, standing up slowly, not turning one's head quickly, sleeping with an extra pillow and keeping music volume low while listening in one's automobile or home. In some cases, dizziness can be the result of spinal misalignment. A chiropractor can help realign the spine and alleviate dizziness, but seeing a medical doctor is important. A doctor can administer tests to determine the cause of dizziness and find a treatment. These precautions can help you continue teaching year after year.

This article is not meant to discourage exercise. It is meant to offer awareness and encourage the use of preventive measures. We need to take care of our bodies and encourage others to live a healthy lifestyle. As instructors, we need to keep our clients safe. Many of us want to continue teaching for as long as our body will allow. Don't let an inner ear problem end a fulfilling career.

RELATED ARTICLE: Signs and Symptoms

* Dizziness with positional changes

* Imbalance Ear ringing or fullness