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DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently had a hip replacement. I am 84, with hearing loss. My family says my hearing is worse after the operation. My daughter talked with several seniors who experienced the same thing. They think it has to do with the anesthesia. Fact or fiction? – D.W.
ANSWER: Possibly fact. Hearing loss is a known and rare occurrence after surgery, and there are several ways in which it can happen. You mentioned anesthesia: Several anesthetic agents, especially nitrous oxide, can cause temporary hearing loss, but nitrous oxide is not used as often during surgery as it once was. Changes in the fluid pressure in the ear also can cause both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Finally, antibiotics given around the time of an operation can cause hearing loss.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently attended a free introductory visit at my local health spa. It’s an interesting process. There is a circuit with 12 machines and 12 mats for doing cardio. Each exercise is done for 30 seconds, then you move to the next station. The circuit is supposed to be done twice at each session, three times per week. Can this really work to help you lose weight and get fit? Need I say again, 30 seconds … really? Your opinion please. – E.Y.M.
ANSWER: There are two questions, and the first is on fitness. There, the answer is a resounding yes. High-intensity interval training has been clearly proven to improve muscle and cardiovascular fitness. If you were to follow the program at the gym, working hard but not overdoing it, you certainly would find that your ability to do the exercises would improve, your stamina would increase, and you’d likely feel better and have more energy. A 24-minute workout (24 stations of 30 seconds each, done twice) is enough (and a LOT better than no workout at all).
Unfortunately, just doing the exercise will not make you lose much weight. Losing weight comes from better dietary habits, which can help you eat less food and still feel satisfied. The combination of increased exercise and a little less food, especially less low-quality (“junk”) food, may help you lose a few pounds.
Losing weight shouldn’t be the goal, in my opinion. Losing weight and keeping it off is tough to do, but by exercising regularly and eating well, you can dramatically improve overall health and well-being even without weight loss.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have an itchy-ear problem. It even wakes me up at night. I’ve tried Cortizone-10, hydrogen peroxide solution, ear baths and cotton swabs. Nothing seems to work for long. Can you help me? – G.P.
ANSWER: Stop the hydrogen peroxide – it is very drying and can damage the sensitive skin in the ear. The hydrocortisone should work for many common conditions, but if it hasn’t, then your regular doctor, a dermatologist or ENT doctor should take a look in your ear and see what is going on. Seborrheic dermatitis and eczema are common conditions that can affect the skin in the ear.
Dr. Roach regrets he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. To view and order health pamphlets, visit www.rbmamall.com, or write to Good Health, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
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