Four Ways to Prevent Hearing Loss

Developing hearing loss is often a result of exposure to loud noises, aging, and premature birth. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help protect your inner ear's hair-like cells, which can reduce your chances of experiencing hearing loss. Here are a few practices to integrate into your daily routine to help prevent hearing loss.

Consistent Exercise

Your hearing depends on many fragile mechanisms in the ear that can be damaged by high blood pressure. Exercising regularly helps improve blood circulation, which can improve your ear health. Physical activity can also reduce stress, which may have an impact on your hearing ability. If you prefer to listen to music as you exercise, be mindful of the volume because playing music too loudly can damage your hearing.

Use Hearing Protection

Blasts from gunfire and airplane engines can cause irreversible noise-induced hearing loss. Use earmuffs and earplugs whenever you enter noisy environments. While earmuffs fit over the entire outer ear, earplugs are ideal for protecting your external ear canal. Inquire about protection if your work environment is particularly noisy.

Limit Smoking and Drinking

Heavy alcohol use and cigarette smoke can introduce toxins to the ear that can impair your hearing ability. In some cases, these habits can lead to sudden hearing loss.

Get a Hearing Test

Routine hearing tests help you remain proactive in maintaining and improving, if necessary, your hearing health. If you have hearing loss, an audiologist can recommend hearing aids that are tailored to your specific needs and preferences. You may also opt for cochlear implants if hearing aids aren't the best fit for your lifestyle.

If you notice these symptoms, you may want to consider seeing a medical professional:

•  Ringing in one or both ears
• Gradual hearing loss with age
• Trouble following conversations
• Fluid sensation in the ear(s)
• Earaches
• Irritability and impatience during conversations

Whether you'd like to learn more about how to prevent hearing loss or are seeking treatment for hearing difficulties, the team at Hearing Associates can help you. We will perform a comprehensive hearing evaluation and help chart the best course of treatment for your circumstances. Our informative, professional, and friendly staff is available to address all of your questions and concerns. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.