Obesity May Lead to Hidden, High- and Low-Frequency Hearing Loss

Background: Obesity is a global public health issue that exacerbates chronic oxidative stress, potentially leading to organ damage and hearing impairment by increasing the production of free oxygen radicals. This study aims to examine hearing levels at extended high frequencies in adults with obesity compared to those without obesity and to explore the relationship between hearing thresholds and body mass index
(BMI).

Methods: This prospective case-control study included 43 adults with obesity and 43 non-obese, otherwise healthy volunteers. Participants were classified based on their BMI as either adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) or non-obese (BMI <30 kg/m2). High-frequency audiometry (125 Hz-16 kHz) and speech tests, including speech reception threshold (SRT) and speech discrimination scores (SD%), were conducted. Individuals with BMIs greater than 30 had higher hearing thresholds at frequencies of 250 Hz, 500 Hz, and 1000 Hz than those with BMIs less
than 30.

Results: Adults with obesity had significantly higher hearing thresholds at the 16 kHz frequency compared to non-obese individuals. Additionally,
the SRT was higher in both ears of adults with obesity than in non-obese participants. The SD% was significantly lower in the obesity group compared to the non-obese group.

Conclusion: Obesity is associated with sensorineural hearing loss at both low and high frequencies. These findings suggest that obesity may contribute to early cochlear damage, and regular monitoring of hearing, particularly at extended high frequencies, should be considered in individuals with obesity to prevent further auditory decline.

Cite this article as: Tahir E, Kent AE, Aytekin M. Obesity may lead to hidden, high- and low-frequency hearing loss. B-ENT. 2026;21(3):116-121.