Hearing health is an often under-recognized facet of overall health and wellness. But hearing loss is the third most pervasive health condition people live with today, impacting over 48 million (1 in 6) people. Being proactive about your hearing health is a great way to reduce your risk of hearing loss. Practicing the following strategies this new year is a great way to protect your hearing health and wellness:
- Have your hearing evaluated. Hearing tests should be integrated into yearly health check-ins. Though hearing loss is pervasive, it is widely undertreated and deprioritized. In a study by the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association, researchers found that 2 in 10 adults have had a hearing test in the past 5 years, compared to 6 in 10 adults who have had their vision tested. Regularly assessing your hearing health allows you to monitor your hearing and identify any changes you may experience over time.
A hearing test is the first step towards treating any symptoms you may be experiencing. Fortuaenyl, effective treatment options are available and accessible for hearing loss. Hearing aids are the most common way hearing loss is treated. Today’s hearing aids are more innovative than ever before, offering a range of technologies that create optimal hearing experiences in everyday life. Treatment offers countless life-changing benefits including strengthening communication, relationships, social connection, and overall health.
- Practice healthy eating habits. We all know that eating as healthy as possible is beneficial for health and wellness. But did you know that it also supports better hearing? Studies show that there is a correlation between healthy eating habits and reduced risk of hearing loss. In a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, people who practiced healthful diets were 30% less likely to develop hearing loss. Healthful ways of eating include increased intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. In addition to incorporating more of these food groups, be sure to reduce (or eliminate) intake of processed foods as well as artificial sugars.
- Increase physical activity. The benefits of exercise are well known: increases energy, supports the immune system, reduces health risks etc. Exercise also contributes to healthier hearing by supporting blood flow throughout the body including the inner ears where sound is processed. There are simple ways you can increase physical activity including:
- Taking a daily walk.
- Discovering a physical hobby you enjoy: swimming, golfing, bike riding etc.
- Stretching daily.
Increasing physical activity is also a great way to process and reduce stress. These simple
ways you can get your blood flow going on a daily basis which supports stronger health.
- Avoid triggers. Extensive research shows that there are specific triggers that are associated with an increased risk of developing hearing loss. This includes smoking and alcohol which contain ingredients that can damage the auditory system – the sensory system for hearing. Experts suggest that nicotine and alcohol are active ingredients that can damage blood vessels and restrict blood flow throughout the body including the ears. This affects the ear’s capacity to process soundwaves effectively which can contribute to hearing loss. So reducing your intake, or completely eliminating these triggers, especially if you are already vulnerable to developing hearing loss is important.
- Wear hearing protection. One of the most common causes of hearing loss is exposure to loud noise. An effective way to protect your hearing from loud noise is by wearing hearing protection. There are various types including headphones, earmuffs, and earplugs. These items provide a protective barrier for the ears, reducing the amount of loud noise that is absorbed.
Additional ways you can protect yourself from loud noise is by maintaining lower volume settings, taking listening breaks throughout the day, driving with the windows rolled up to reduce environmental noise, avoiding places with lots of background noise and opting for quieter settings, and investing in noise cancellation technology for your headphones.
Integrating these tips in the New Year is a great way to prioritize your health and wellness. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation. We offer a range of services, resources, and support that is invested in transforming your hearing health. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!