Did you know that hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions that people experience today? Nearly 1 in 6 people have some degree of impaired hearing, impacting over 48 million people. The New Year is a great invitation to practice healthy habits that protect your hearing health and wellness!
Schedule an appointment for a hearing test. Though hearing loss is pervasive, it is widely undertreated. It is estimated that only a third of people who could benefit from treatment actually receive it. To be proactive about your hearing health, it is important to have your hearing evaluated yearly. Hearing tests involve a painless and noninvasive process that measures hearing capacities in both ears. This identifies any hearing loss as well as the degree of impairment you could be experiencing. If you don’t have hearing loss, getting your hearing evaluated establishes a baseline of your hearing health. This makes it easier to track any changes you may experience over time.
Maximize use of your hearing aids. Hearing aids are the most common way hearing loss is treated. These electronic devices are essential items for millions of people with hearing loss. Hearing aids are designed to absorb, amplify, and process speech as well as sound. This provides the ears and brain with ample support, alleviating symptoms and maximizing one’s hearing capacity. This offers numerous benefits including strengthening communication and relationships as well as helping people stay socially connected.
Today’s hearing aids are more innovative than ever before. There is a wide range of options with differing styles, technologies, and features. These features are designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, increase connectivity, and create the most optimal hearing experiences in everyday environments. It is important to talk to your hearing healthcare provider about the features and accessories you can use to maximize the use of your hearing aids.
Reduce loud noise exposure. One time or consistent exposure to loud noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. So practicing ways to reduce your exposure to excessive noise is a helpful strategy that can protect your hearing health. There are numerous ways you can do this including:
- Wear hearing protection: items like headphones, earmuffs, and earplugs provide a protective barrier that reduces the amount of loud noise you absorb.
- Lower volume settings: electronic devices can reach hazardous noise levels. Be sure to lower volume settings on your phone, TV, speaker etc.
- Take listening breaks: taking 5-10 minutes listening breaks throughout the day where you are not exposed to noise provides the ears and brain with time to rest and recuperate from constantly absorbing and processing sound.
A few other strategies include to invest in noise cancellation technology if you use headphones regularly and avoid environments with loud background settings and opt for quieter settings.
Eat healthier. Eating healthily also supports hearing health. A major study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that people following healthy dietary patterns were 30% less likely to experience hearing loss. These dietary patterns were rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and fish. Additionally, they were low in processed foods and sugars. Integrating more vegetables and fruits into your diet and reducing processed foods is a great way to contribute to healthier hearing.
Increase physical activity. Exercise offers numerous benefits including boosting energy, supporting your immune system, reducing stress, and decreasing health risks. Exercise also supports hearing health by promoting blood flow throughout the body including in the inner ear. This is where sound is processed and then sent to the brain. There are simple ways you can increase physical activity including: taking a daily walk, stretching, engaging in a physical activity like swimming or golfing etc.
Avoid triggers. Extensive research shows that smoking and drinking contributes to an increased risk of hearing loss. Experts suggest that nicotine and alcohol can affect blood vessels which restricts blood flow. This can impact how soundwaves are processed and absorbed. Reducing or eliminating these behaviors can reduce your risk of impaired hearing.
The New Year is a great time to start practicing healthy habits. Protecting your hearing health contributes to wellness and quality of life. Contact us at Hart Hearing and Balance today to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation. We look forward to seeing you in this new year!