Many adults just accept hearing loss as a natural part of the aging process. While at some level that’s true, that does not mean that hearing loss isn’t entirely preventable! At the very least, knowing a bit about how to prevent hearing loss from getting worse can ease the situation in the slightest.
To help in that regard, here are five practical ways to protect your hearing and prevent your hearing loss from getting worse:
1. Avoid Loud Noises
Perhaps the best and most effective way of avoiding noise-induced hearing loss is to stay away from any loud noises as much as you can. Being exposed to loud noises is enough to damage your hearing if:
- You feel the need to raise your voice just to be heard by other people.
- You cannot hear what other people nearby are saying.
- The noise vibrations are starting to hurt your ears.
- You feel ringing in your ears.
- You experience muffled hearing after being exposed to the loud noise.
All those experiences are signs that the loud noise you hear is doing some damage to your hearing. As such, it’s best to distance yourself away from it as soon as you can!
2. Use Hearing Protection
If being around loud noises is unavoidable, it’s best to bring some form of hearing protection that you can wear over your ears. Earplugs or snug-fitting earmuffs are pretty helpful if you need protection from loud noises. These are usually available online or over-the-counter at your local hardware store or home improvement warehouse!
3. Limit Your Smoking and Drinking Habits
It may be the last thing you expect to read from this list, but cigarette smoke can actually cause hearing loss. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), they concluded that there’s an elevated risk of developing age-related hearing loss in smokers and even higher risks to people exposed to secondhand smoke. Another research also stated that 80% of the participants in the study were not aware that their hearing was affected by their smoking habits!
On the other hand, heavy alcohol use creates a toxic environment in the ear that could also result in hearing loss. Excessive drinking damages the brain’s auditory cortex, which eventually affects the way your brain processes sound.
4. Turn the Volume Down
Listening to loud music over extended periods is also a leading contributor to developing impaired hearing. Listening to music is never wrong, but you need to maintain a certain level of volume to avoid damaging your ears.
Hearing specialists recommend using noise-canceling earphones or headsets so that you don’t have to turn the volume up so much. It’s also best to limit your listening session to an hour and take a break for a few minutes before every hour.
5. Get Your Hearing Tested
The best way to determine if your hearing is still in tip-top shape is to schedule a hearing test. Getting an annual hearing evaluation, audiograms, and reflex tests can measure the changes in your hearing over the years. Knowing the state of your hearing will help you take the necessary steps to prevent your condition from getting worse.
Conclusion
Resolutions involving hearing health are often overlooked, despite hearing being related to both emotional and mental well-being. It’s best to take these steps in mind to protect your hearing from deteriorating. Hearing loss may be an inevitable fate as you grow old—but at least you don’t have to suffer from it at a young age.
When it comes to taking care of your hearing, finding a trusted hearing specialist is important. That’s why Hear More Associates are here to help! With a full range of hearing solutions at our disposal, our leading team of experts will take good care of your hearing. Contact us today to get a free hearing test.
