Did you know that roughly 15% of American adults report some trouble hearing? While hearing loss can’t always be prevented, there are steps you can take in your everyday life that can directly benefit your hearing health.
Turn Down the Volume
Exposure to loud noises is one of the leading causes of hearing loss across all age groups. In general, noises over 85 decibels (dB) have the potential to damage your ears. Activities like attending rock concerts, hunting, riding motorcycles and listening to loud music on your headphones are all activities that can reach volumes above safe levels.
In order to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, wear hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments and keep the volume at a reasonable level when listening to music or watching TV.
Take Regular Walks
Exercise is one of the best things we can do for ourselves, and that includes benefiting our hearing health. Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the ear, which helps keep the hair cells of the inner ear healthy. These cells are responsible for translating the sounds your ears pick up into electrical impulses to send to the brain. They cannot regenerate or be repaired, so damage to these cells leads to permanent hearing loss.
So, make time for yourself to take regular walks around your neighborhood or out in nature at Augusta Canal Trail. Or if walking isn’t your thing, you can take a yoga class, lift weights at home or join a local gym. Whatever the activity, aim for 30 minutes five days out of the week for optimal health.
Eat a Healthy Diet
In addition to exercise, eating a well-balanced diet is another powerful tool to protect your hearing health. Diets that are rich in nutrients and contain foods like leafy greens, whole grains, fish, nuts and seeds and fruits and vegetables can help reduce your risk of health problems like heart disease and diabetes. These conditions can damage your inner ear and lead to hearing loss.
Get a Baseline Hearing Test
While it’s important to visit an audiologist if you have signs of hearing loss, it’s also never a bad time to get a baseline hearing test, even if you have no noticeable symptoms. A baseline test establishes your current hearing levels so that any changes can be detected earlier.
Additionally, hearing loss comes on gradually, so even if you haven’t noticed a problem, a hearing test may indicate mild hearing loss. The earlier you can receive treatment with hearing aids, the easier it is to continue enjoying activities like going out to dinner or conversing with loved ones without complications.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Augusta – Aiken ENT & Allergy today.