A healthy hearing is one of the keys to a happy life. Hearing is vital to everyday communication. It ensures a smooth exchange of ideas and information in any setting: casual chats with a friend, meeting at work with colleagues, or presentations to an important client.
Impaired hearing, on the other hand, is an obstacle. It leads to misinterpretation and even isolation. Needless to say, keeping our hearing healthy is a must in life. Discover how important your hearing health is. Then, follow the suggestions to maintain it.
How Vital Is Hearing Health?
It’s absolutely vital. When your ears are healthy, you get to enjoy music, podcasts, movies, conversations, the sounds of nature, and so much more. Your hearing allows you to appreciate these auditory experiences. But a loss of hearing will rob you of life’s small joys.
You wouldn’t be surprised to know there’s a link between your hearing health with your emotional health. Hearing loss can result in mental health problems. Without healthy ears, you may feel withdrawn and isolated. And this will lead to depression, anxiety, and the possibility of cognitive decline.
The impact may also be physical. For example, if you can no longer hear sounds, accidents and injuries may happen. Your body is no longer safe.
That’s why hearing health is crucial. Optimal hearing health makes it possible for you to continue enjoying life and interact with the world around you. It also keeps you safe and sound without fear and risks.
Ways to Maintain a Healthy Hearing
Say no to loud noises
Loud noises are bad for your ears. It’s one of the top causes of hearing damage. A prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause hearing loss. But a sudden exposure to a short but excessive noise can also affect your hearing. That’s why protection is essential. Wearing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones whenever you’re near a noisy source of sound will help protect your ears.
Keep the volume low
Listening to music or movies at high volume might be fun… but it can damage your hearing. So, keep the volume low. (WHO recommends 60% of the max level. Also, take breaks from listening to anything every hour.) If you keep the volume low and take regular breaks, your ears are safe. This also goes for listening to anything through your personal listening devices.
Practice safe listening
Safe listening means avoiding standing directly next to loudspeakers at any loud environments like concerts or sports events. Or take a break from loud noises whenever possible in a quiet area. Also, consider using professional earplugs like the ones musicians wear. They reduce volume without compromising sound quality.
Maintain correct ear hygiene
Did you know that using cotton swabs to remove ear wax can result in serious injury and hearing loss? Avoid doing that as the swabs will only push ear wax further into the ear canal. Wearing earplugs when swimming will also ensure water stays out of your ears. And if your ears hurt from an infection, don’t try to solve it by yourself. Instead, contact a medical professional to help.
Live healthily
Regular exercises and a healthy diet bring positive things to your hearing health. Physical activities enhance blood circulation in your whole body, including your ears. Meanwhile, a healthy diet ensures that your ear’s delicate structures remain healthy and capable of functioning normally.
Check your hearing regularly
Have problems with your hearing? Make an appointment with an audiology clinic. Get a treatment for any untreated hearing loss symptoms here. Audiologists can help clean your ears. They will also check for damage to your auditory nerves. If you suffer from any degree of hearing loss, they can recommend treatments.
What If You Suspect Loss of Hearing?
Hearing loss doesn’t discriminate. Whether young or old, you may suffer from hearing impairment or loss. Statistics show that noise-induced hearing loss happens to 5.2 million children and 26 million adults. Meanwhile, seniors are also affected by age-related hearing loss. How can you find out, though?
Feel the symptoms of hearing loss
Has the following been happening to you?
- You can’t easily catch what people are saying, especially when you’re in a noisy place
- You don’t hear high-pitched sounds
- There’s ringing in your ears (called tinnitus)
- You feel the need to raise the volume of your TV or radio
If yes, you may have some level of hearing loss.
What to do next
Of course, the above symptoms may vary. It all depends on the severity and type of hearing loss. But if you start to experience these symptoms, consult with an audiologist.
These hearing experts will conduct various tests to assess your hearing abilities. These tests will determine the appropriate course of action. Different levels of hearing loss will receive different treatments. For example, the audiologist may recommend a surgical intervention. Or perhaps they will decide whether a cochlear implant or hearing aids are more appropriate.
Early detection and intervention nips any risks to your hearing in the bud. So don’t be afraid to schedule an appointment and have your hearing checked.
Your Top Ally in Keeping a Healthy, Normal Hearing
Hearing health should be a priority at all ages. Engaging in health practices like limiting exposure to loud noises and wearing ear protection will keep you safe from difficulty hearing. Most importantly, never hesitate to get regular hearing check-ups and consult with professionals to prevent damage.
Hearing Associates of Las Vegas is one such place where people with hearing loss can regain their confidence. We have different services on offer, from treating tinnitus to selecting the right hearing aids. Schedule an appointment today.
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