You CAN protect your hearing

We spoke about preventing hearing loss caused by noise, but there are other ways to protect your ears from other sources of damage. Although you may not like it, lifestyle choices can lower your risk of hearing loss. You’ve heard it before, but it applies to hearing too. Regular exercise and healthy eating assist in protecting your hearing. The inner ear is home to delicate hairs which can be affected by changes in blood flow. Damage these and you damage your hearing. So, the healthier you are overall, the better your chances of preventing hearing loss. For those of us already suffering hearing loss, keeping healthy can preserve the hearing we do have.

What you didn’t know that could cause hearing loss. Ignorance is not bliss.

• Did you know that high blood pressure and cardiac disease, a well-known contributor to many illnesses, can damage your ears? High cholesterol levels affect hearing too. 

•  It’s not rocket science! Smoking, vaping, and alcohol are definite no-noes for hearing health.

No matter whether you’re the primary smoker or the victim of second-hand smoke, smoke affects hearing. Even the hearing of a fetus can be impacted by smoke. Don’t be fooled into thinking that vaping is better – studies show it may be worse.

Heavy drinking has also been linked to hearing loss. Anything in moderation!

• Another reason to manage your blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled diabetes doubles the risk of hearing loss because raised sugar levels damage the cells of the inner ear.

• It’s not what us couch potatoes want to hear, but exercise is good for hearing loss prevention. 

All that jumping and running increases our blood flow and promotes good hearing health.  Of course, you’ll cancel out these benefits if you exercise to the accompaniment of music that’s too loud. Now here’s a surprising fact. Doing weightlifting incorrectly has also been linked to hearing damage. 

• Workaholics listen up!

Frequent high levels of stress don’t help your hearing health either; another reason to relax in an aromatic bath from time to time (substitute aromatic bath with any relaxation activity you enjoy, like eating your favorite chocolate ?)

•  Yip. Diet can affect you too

Make sure to consume foods that contain vitamins and minerals. Besides all the other positives you already know, vitamins, most notably B12, are considered essential for maintaining good hearing health. Potassium and magnesium are also beneficial, while iron-deficiency has been associated with hearing loss.

• It’s hereditary?

This is not necessarily true, but a hearing loss in families may increase your risk. Get tested, catch it early, and follow the techniques already mentioned for optimal hearing health. 

• Just say “No” …again

Drugs. They’re bad news in every way including hearing loss. Unfortunately, it’s not only the illegal drugs, but it can also be over the counter and prescription medication. Always read the medicine inserts. If you see any hearing-related side effects, ask if there is an alternative that will lower the risk of drug-related hearing loss. 

Many of the strategies are obvious and can be actioned quickly. Protect and prevent