Hearing loss can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent hearing loss.
1. Avoid loud noises
Turn the volume down on your devices and use earplugs when you have to be in a loud environment. Excessive noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss,1 but the good news is that it's also the most preventable, too.
2. Keep your ears dry
Excess moisture can lead to ear infections and wax buildup, which can cause hearing problems. Gently dry your ears with a towel after swimming or bathing to prevent excess water from entering the ear canal.
3. Don't Smoke
If smokers need yet another health-related reason to quit, here it is: research indicates that smoking can more than double your risk of hearing loss. That's because blood flow and oxygen are crucial to maintaining healthy cells in your inner ear, and both are hampered by nicotine and carbon monoxide. Smoking also irritates the lining of your middle ear and disturbs the normal function of your eustachian tube.
Nicotine has been shown to cause ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus. Some experts believe it may interfere with the neurotransmitters that carry messages from your hearing nerves to your brain.
4. Be cautious with medications
Some prescription medications can have side effects related to hearing loss, so be sure to discuss any possible effects with your doctor prior to starting a new medication or supplement.
5. Be aware of excessive ear wax buildup
Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a natural defense mechanism that protects the inside of your ear from foreign particles, bacteria and infection. Ear wax is secreted by glands located in your outer ear, and the wax can vary in color and consistency from person to person.
Excessive ear wax buildup can affect your hearing and make sounds seem muffled. Don't try to remove it yourself - doing so could damage the delicate lining of the ear canal. Instead, see your doctor for treatment options. Ear wax is secreted by glands located in your outer ear, and the wax can vary in color and consistency from person to person.
6. Avoid cotton swabs and other small objects
Never place any objects inside your ear canal, including cotton swabs. Doing so risks damage to your eardrum, which can cause pain and hearing loss.
7. Take supplements and vitamins for better hearing health
A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, regular exercise, and reducing your stress levels are all important for your overall health, and they can all impact your hearing, too.
8. Protect your ears
Keep your ears covered during extremely cold weather using a hat or earmuffs. And don't forget to use ear protection, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, any time you're in an area with a lot of noise.
9. See your doctor regularly
Regular check-ups with your doctor are an important aspect of maintaining your overall health and can catch potential problems early. Other health conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, can also put you at risk for hearing loss.
10. Get regular hearing screenings
Routine hearing tests can detect early signs of hearing loss and improve your chances of returning to normal hearing. A routine hearing test also provides your doctor with a baseline to which your hearing can be compared as you age, allowing changes to be detected more quickly.
11. Go for a walk in the woods.
Another option is a walk on the beach or in a similar setting with little man-made noise. Focus on your surroundings and write down everything you hear, from birds chirping to the wind blowing. Repeat this exercise several days in a row to gradually become more attuned to the ambient noise.
12. Have a friend or family remember read aloud to you.
After each sentence, try to repeat back exactly what was said. Once you're able to consistently repeat the sentences word-for-word, try the exercise again with the T.V. on in the background or in a noisy restaurant.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Answer:
Wear Earplugs Around Loud Noises. ...
Turn Down the Volume. ...
Give Your Ears a Break. ...
Stop Using Cotton Swabs. ...
Keep Your Ears Dry. ...
Use Medications Properly as Directed. ...
Stay Physically Active. ...
Manage and Reduce Stress.
Explanation:
mark me as brainliests
12 Tips Improve Hearing and Prevent Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent hearing loss.
1. Avoid loud noises
Turn the volume down on your devices and use earplugs when you have to be in a loud environment. Excessive noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss,1 but the good news is that it's also the most preventable, too.
2. Keep your ears dry
Excess moisture can lead to ear infections and wax buildup, which can cause hearing problems. Gently dry your ears with a towel after swimming or bathing to prevent excess water from entering the ear canal.
3. Don't Smoke
If smokers need yet another health-related reason to quit, here it is: research indicates that smoking can more than double your risk of hearing loss. That's because blood flow and oxygen are crucial to maintaining healthy cells in your inner ear, and both are hampered by nicotine and carbon monoxide. Smoking also irritates the lining of your middle ear and disturbs the normal function of your eustachian tube.
Nicotine has been shown to cause ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus. Some experts believe it may interfere with the neurotransmitters that carry messages from your hearing nerves to your brain.
4. Be cautious with medications
Some prescription medications can have side effects related to hearing loss, so be sure to discuss any possible effects with your doctor prior to starting a new medication or supplement.
5. Be aware of excessive ear wax buildup
Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a natural defense mechanism that protects the inside of your ear from foreign particles, bacteria and infection. Ear wax is secreted by glands located in your outer ear, and the wax can vary in color and consistency from person to person.
Excessive ear wax buildup can affect your hearing and make sounds seem muffled. Don't try to remove it yourself - doing so could damage the delicate lining of the ear canal. Instead, see your doctor for treatment options. Ear wax is secreted by glands located in your outer ear, and the wax can vary in color and consistency from person to person.
6. Avoid cotton swabs and other small objects
Never place any objects inside your ear canal, including cotton swabs. Doing so risks damage to your eardrum, which can cause pain and hearing loss.
7. Take supplements and vitamins for better hearing health
A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, regular exercise, and reducing your stress levels are all important for your overall health, and they can all impact your hearing, too.
8. Protect your ears
Keep your ears covered during extremely cold weather using a hat or earmuffs. And don't forget to use ear protection, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, any time you're in an area with a lot of noise.
9. See your doctor regularly
Regular check-ups with your doctor are an important aspect of maintaining your overall health and can catch potential problems early. Other health conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, can also put you at risk for hearing loss.
10. Get regular hearing screenings
Routine hearing tests can detect early signs of hearing loss and improve your chances of returning to normal hearing. A routine hearing test also provides your doctor with a baseline to which your hearing can be compared as you age, allowing changes to be detected more quickly.
11. Go for a walk in the woods.
Another option is a walk on the beach or in a similar setting with little man-made noise. Focus on your surroundings and write down everything you hear, from birds chirping to the wind blowing. Repeat this exercise several days in a row to gradually become more attuned to the ambient noise.
12. Have a friend or family remember read aloud to you.
After each sentence, try to repeat back exactly what was said. Once you're able to consistently repeat the sentences word-for-word, try the exercise again with the T.V. on in the background or in a noisy restaurant.