Hearing loss affects over 35 million people in the U.S. alone. With many different causes, there's no single solution to prevent it. However, that doesn't mean that there's nothing you can do to reduce your risks. Here's a look at a few things you can do to minimize your chances of suffering hearing loss as you age.
Keep Ambient Noise At A Minimum
Exposing your ears to persistent sounds at high decibel levels will lead to gradual damage. If you work in a factory, machine shop or other environment that's particularly loud, it's in your best interest to wear some form of ear protection. In fact, it's even a good idea to wear ear protection of some kind when you're mowing the lawn.
If you have a hard time judging decibel ratings to determine what could be damaging, there are many apps available for smartphones that will assess the decibel rating of the noise around you and tell you if you should limit your exposure.
Opt For Less-Invasive Headphones
If you like to listen to personal audio devices, be selective about what you use to transmit the sound. Earbuds that sit directly inside your ear can actually be more damaging to your hearing than traditional headphones because they direct and concentrate the sound in your ear canal. Instead, use traditional headphones so that some of the sound can dissipate. In addition, avoid turning the volume up too high when you're using headphones and use them only when necessary.
Monitor Your Medications
Some medications can have an adverse effect on your hearing. In most cases, this is only temporary and lasts only as long as you take the medication, but you'll want to be attentive to this anyway. Talk with your doctor about every new medication you're prescribed to ensure that you understand any hearing-related side effects that you might experience.
Invest In Hearing Aids
If you have already experienced some degree of hearing loss, wearing hearing aids may be the key to preventing progression. Too often people dismiss their diminishing hearing until it's progressed to the point that it interferes with daily life. By reaching out to an audiologist right away when you notice hearing problems, you'll be better equipped to minimize the progression of the problem by minimizing the strain on your ears.
Whether you're already experiencing some hearing loss or you just want to reduce your risk of it ever occurring, tips like these can help. Understanding what contributes to hearing loss progression helps, as does working with an audiologist early in the process.
Share7 July 2016
