Adults often realize they're using the "volume up" button on the TV remote more frequently and may encounter people needing to speak up.
Age and noise are two common reasons for hearing loss. With age, tiny hair cells in the inner ears break down, and loud sounds can damage these cells.
You can prevent
noise-induced hearing loss and reduce age-related hearing loss by following
these eight tips to maintain good hearing.
1.
Limit Excessive
Noise Exposure
It can harm your hearing if you need
to shout over the noise. Motorcycles, concert speakers, power tools, earphones,
and similar sounds can all be damaging.
2.
Encourage A
Noise-Free Environment
Purchase appliances with low noise ratings. Request volume
reduction in places you frequent, including movie theaters or restaurants, and
consider carrying earplugs.
3.
Reduce Exposure
to Loud Sounds
In daily life, reduce exposure to loud sounds as much as
possible. Hearing damage can result from the volume and duration of exposure to
loud noises.
4.
Use Hearing
Protection
If you get exposed to loud sounds
for extended periods, you can choose to use hearing protection. Earplugs and
earmuffs are ideal choices, which will help protect your hearing.
Earplugs get made of foam or rubber.
It decreases noise levels by 15 – 30 decibels. You can buy them over the
counter or get them custom-fitted. Earplugs reduce all frequencies, making them
the ideal choice for musicians who need to lower sound without distortion.
Earmuffs get worn over the ears and
reduce noise by about 15 – 30 decibels. You can fit them over both ears to
block sound. For extra protection, you can choose to wear earplugs and earmuffs
simultaneously.
5.
Quit Smoking and
Excessive Consumption of Alcohol
Tobacco is known to affect your ability to hear clearly. It
would be best if you quit smoking to avoid the risk of hearing loss. Non-smokers
should avoid secondhand smoke.
Excessive alcohol consumption creates a harmful environment
in the ear. Even though the relationship between vaping and hearing loss is not
well-established, you can find anecdotal accounts connecting it to sudden
hearing loss.
6.
Avoid Using
Cotton Swabs
To remove earwax, you should avoid using cotton swabs, as
they push the wax deeper. Use an at-home kit to wash out the softened wax
gently. Compacted wax requires a doctor's assistance.
7.
Avoid Medications
that Affect Hearing
Check with your doctor to ensure your prescription
medication does not risk your hearing. Some antibiotics, cancer-fighting drugs,
and high doses of aspirin can damage your ears.
If you need to take medication that can potentially harm
your ears, you need to get your hearing checked regularly by your doctor.
8.
Get Your Hearing
Tested
If you have family members suffering from hearing loss,
difficulty listening to conversations, exposure to loud noises, frequent
tinnitus, or if you have not been tested before, it is advisable to get your
hearing tested.
Avoid further damage by avoiding loud noises if you have
some hearing loss. If your problem is severe, consider a hearing aid or other
treatment.
Consult your doctor if you experience sudden unexplained
changes in your hearing, which could indicate severe medical conditions.
9.
Regular Exercise
If you want to promote good ear health, engage in regular
exercise while taking care to avoid loud music and improper weightlifting. High
levels of stress can harm your hearing, so practice stress-reduction
techniques.
You can protect your hearing by managing your cardiac health
and blood pressure. High blood pressure and heart disease can harm the delicate
structures in your ear that are essential for hearing.
If you suffer from high cholesterol or blood pressure (BP),
you should adhere to your doctor's prescribed treatment plan to manage these
conditions.
10. Diet Rich in
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals, including B12, potassium, magnesium,
and iron, are essential for hearing, so incorporate foods rich in these
nutrients into your diet.
Sources of noise
that cause hearing damage include explosive sounds like gunfire or fireworks.
Also, prolonged exposure to sounds like aeroplane engines or loud music can
harm your hearing.
Protecting your
hearing in any situation is essential, irrespective of whether you get exposed
to loud sounds. Take precautions like wearing hearing protection to prevent
damage. Earbuds and headphones could contribute to hearing loss too.
Wear earmuffs or
earplugs, especially if you are a gun enthusiast. Bring your noise protection
to noisy workplaces.
Click here to know
how to prevent hearing loss.
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