Guard Against Preventable Hearing Loss

More than 250 million worldwide have noise-induced hearing loss. And the number is growing every day. You can damage your hearing at a loud concert. But did you know you can also damage your hearing in the following ways?

If you have to raise your voice over any kind of noise to be heard by someone three feet away, that noise is doing damage. So, what can you do? For starters, turn down your audio equipment, buy quieter products (compare decibel ratings, the smaller the better), limit your exposure to noisy activities, and wear ear protection such as ear plugs or ear muffs. One-third of hearing loss is preventable with proper hearing protection.

Research has found that life style can affect your hearing over time, either by reducing the circulation to the ear or by causing metabolic imbalance. By eating healthy, exercising regularly, not smoking, consuming moderate amounts of caffeine and alcohol, and learning to manage stress all contribute on the whole to a healthy lifestyle.

Drugs known as “ototoxic” can contribute to hearing loss. Make sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist whether any medication you are taking can cause hearing loss. Even aspirin in high doses can have a temporary effect on your hearing.

 

Treat Ear Problems Promptly

See your physician if you have an earache, a blocked ear, or any discharge that may indicate infection. Untreated ear infections can cause permanent hearing loss.

Prevent Ear Problems

Blow your nose gently and through both nostrils. During air travel, swallow, yawn or chew gum when the plane is landing. Do not ever stick a cotton swab, or other object into your inner ear to remove wax or scratch your ear. You may force the wax further in, rupture your eardrum or cause damage that can lead to infection.