In October 2018 researchers from the USA published the results of their study to assess whether childhood obesity is a risk factor for sensorineural hearing loss. A total of 5,638 adolescents, aged between 12 and 19, were included in the study. Research showed that whilst 13% of the normal weight adolescents had sensorineural hearing loss, this rose to 22% in obese adolescents. A further analysis revealed that possible mediating factors only had a minimal effect on the increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss in the obese adolescents.
Kohlberg GD et al. Adolescent Obesity Is an Independent Risk Factor for Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Results From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 to 2010. Otol Neurotol. 2018 Oct;39(9):1102-1108