A lot of elements can damage our hearing abilities if we’re not careful. Try some of these five easy ways to minimize hearing loss over time.
We only have one set of ears in a lifetime, and a lot of elements can damage them if we’re not careful. Hearing loss isn’t just inconvenient: it can also be problematic for our overall health, as it may be linked to more serious conditions such as dementia, kidney failure, and heart disease. To preserve your hearing and your health, try some of these easy ways to minimize hearing loss.
Turn Down the Music
A common way to damage your hearing is by constantly listening to music at a loud volume, whether that’s in the car or through earphones. Many smart phones have options that will tell you where to ideally set your volume. This can go a long way in keeping your hearing intact.
Wear Ear Protection
If you find yourself in a loud environment, it’s best to wear some sort of ear protection. Some good options include earmuffs and earbuds. You’ll still be able to hear the noises around you, but these will eliminate any extremely loud, potentially damaging noises.
Clean Your Ears Correctly
Routine hygiene can also save your hearing. Earwax can have an effect on your hearing if you let it get out of hand. However, many people clean their ears the wrong way. Using a cotton swab just shoves the wax further down into the ear canal, which causes it to build up even more. The best way to clean your ears is to use a towel after you get out of the shower: gently pat your ears with it to clear out any water or debris.
Avoid Loud Noises
Another easy way to minimize hearing loss is to simply stay away from loud noises. For reference, the noise level of a normal conversation is around 60 decibels. A car can reach 70 decibels, and a large concert or sporting event can reach 120 to 129 decibels. Anything over 85 decibels is considered harmful, so avoid those types of situations for long periods of time.
Get Tested
The final thing you can do if you’re concerned about losing your hearing is to get tested. Ask your doctor to perform an audiogram hearing test, which will let you know if you’re suffering from hearing loss. Doing so will allow you to take the necessary steps to keep your hearing intact.
