Hearing loss, most common among adults between 60 and 70, affects more than 1.5 billion people, nearly 20% of the global population. People are constantly at risk of hearing loss due to recreational noises, not to mention the growing number of undiagnosed individuals unaware of this problem. Fortunately, taking the right steps can help protect your hearing and reduce the risk of hearing impairment in the future. Here are some tips on how to protect your hearing and enhance your ears’ health.
1. Avoid exposure to loud noises
Exposure to loud noises, including fireworks, can cause immediate or even permanent hearing loss. Sound at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA) is unlikely to cause harm to your hearing after long exposure. However, prolonged or repeated exposure to sound at or above 85 dBA can lead to hearing loss.
Since noise-induced hearing loss from fireworks can permanently damage your hearing, it’s good to stay away from loud noises whenever possible or wear earmuffs. You can also use a mobile app to measure noise levels if you are unsure how loud it is.
2. Keep your ears dry
Swimming and bathing can cause water to enter your ear canal, posing a risk to your hearing and health. Wet ears create a conducive breeding environment for bacteria and fungi, which can cause several infections such as Dermatitis, ear eczema, or Otitis Media. This is why it’s always essential to keep your ears dry.
Thoroughly dry your ear canals after swimming or bathing. Tip your head to one side until all of the water flows out of your ear, and repeat on the other side. You can also use a hairdryer at the coolest setting to completely dry your ear canal. If you are a regular swimmer, consider buying earplugs that keep water out of the ears while swimming.
3. Stay physically active
Physical activities are essential for the entire body, including your ears. Exercises like stretching and yoga provide the necessary blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to maintain the auditory system within the cochlea. There are even yoga poses designed particularly for patients with tinnitus.
Exercise daily to improve your hearing health and protect yourself against age-related hearing loss. To get the most bang for your buck, engage in activities you truly enjoy, such as swimming, biking, dancing, or playing outdoor games with your family. Make sure to wear protective gear such as a helmet or earbuds if you enjoy swimming or biking.
4. Schedule regular hearing tests
It’s good to have your hearing regularly checked, even when you don’t have any issues or hearing loss. Regular hearing tests can help identify slowly developing hearing problems before they can have a significant impact on your hearing ability and become more difficult to treat.
How often you should get your hearing checked depends on several factors, such as age and job occupation. For instance, adults aged 60 and above should get annual hearing tests, whether or not they are experiencing any hearing loss symptoms. People exposed to loud noises or regularly engage in noisy activities should also have their hearing tested once a year.
Endnote
Neglecting your ear health can lead to infections or permanent hearing loss in the worst cases. Don’t wait for the audiologist to intervene. Be at the forefront of enhancing your health. These proactive measures can help you preserve your hearing health for the long term.