Most of us are resigned to the fact that hearing is something that declines with time. It’s like the rest of the body. It inevitably ages, and that’s the end of the story.
But is that actually true? It turns out that while age is the most common cause of hearing loss, there are strategies that reduce risk substantially.
But what are they? You’re about to find out. This post explores the best ways to protect your hearing for life so you’re able to enjoy the sound of your grandchildren and even great-grandchildren when you get older.
Steer Clear Of Loud Noises
The first thing you’ll want to do is to steer clear of loud noises in your environment. If you work from home at a computer, you probably won’t hear anything loud during the course of the day (except the occasional siren outside), so you don’t have a great deal to worry about. However, if it is a part of your work, then you are at much higher risk.
For example, if you work with pneumatic tools or aircraft, that can damage the ear over time. Exposure to noises louder than 85 dB consistently often leads to hearing problems (with symptoms sometimes coming on suddenly).
Usually, employers will provide hearing protection. However, if yours doesn’t, you can get discreet foam earbuds that fit inside the ear to protect your middle ear from damage from excessive sounds.
Don’t Listen To Loud Music Through Headphones
Another pro tip is to avoid listening to loud music through headphones. It turns out that this method of delivering loud noises to the ear is more insidious than others because it is also a pleasant experience. Many people love rocking out to their favorite music at high volume.
To avoid this temptation, use noise-canceling headphones. This way, you can listen to music without external sounds blocking it out, helping you lower the volume.
You can also follow the warnings on your devices not to raise the volume anymore. These are irritating, but they will protect you long-term.
Go For Regular Checkups
It also helps if you go to the audiologist for regular checkups. This way, you can get up-to-date information on whether you have a hearing problem.
The value of continuous hearing care is often preventative. Doctors can tell you if your hearing is waning and ask you whether there might be anything in your life that could be damaging your ears. For example, are you listening to loud music or working in noisy areas without proper protection?
Talk To Your Doctor About Your Medication
Another thing you might want to do is talk to your doctor about your medication. Some drugs can actually worsen hearing (usually temporarily). Therefore, if you notice that your hearing isn’t what it once was and you haven’t been exposing yourself to loud sounds, go to a medical professional. Get them to look at the medicines you’re using and recommend options that don’t contain anything that might hurt your ears.
