Aerobics classes can cause hearing damage - researchers

Aerobics classes can people keep fit, but a researcher at Canterbury University has found they can also damage hearing. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

Pumping music inciting people to lose weight in aerobics classes may also help them lose their hearing, an audiologist has found.

Canterbury University researcher Eyal Goel found regular attendees faced risk of noise-induced hearing loss, with average noise levels of high risk aerobics classes exceeding 85 decibels.

Comparing "distortion product otoacoustic emissions" levels in regular aerobics practitioners, Mr Goel measured shifts in hearing thresholds before and after their classes that could lead to permanent hearing loss.

Appearing as reduced activities of outer hair cells, the damage was consistent with previous studies, the Oticon Foundation's newsletter Soundscape reported.

Mr Goel, researching through Canterbury University's communication disorders department, presented his findings at an American audiology conference and was developing his findings into a journal article.

- NZPA