Obesity may increase the risk of hearing loss in women while exercising may lower it a new study has claimed. A higher body mass index (BMI) and larger waist circumference are each associated with higher risk of hearing loss while a higher level of physical activity is associated with lower risk of hearing loss in women scientists have found. 'We often think of hearing loss as an inevitable part of the ageing process but these findings provide evidence that potentially modifiable risk factors such as maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active may help in the prevention of hearing