Hearing problems can have a severe impact on your day-to-day life in Clearwater. Some studies have concluded that hearing loss can lead to dementia and other health concerns, which may negatively affect your life further.
Both hearing loss and dementia affect older populations more than younger people, but no matter how old you are, there are steps you can take to help prevent the risk of hearing loss and other hearing-related problems.
1. Limit Loud Noises
If you are often exposed to loud noises, this can increase the likelihood of developing hearing problems. While you might not notice any concerns immediately after being exposed to loud noises, hearing problems may develop over time. The more you are exposed to loud environments, such as concerts and nightclubs, the more likely it may be that you will develop hearing problems.
2. Protect Your Ears
We rely on our ears a lot and often take our hearing for granted. However, protecting your ears should be a priority if you want to prevent hearing loss and other problems in the future. For example, consider wearing earplugs in environments where you will be exposed to loud noises. When the weather is colder, wear earmuffs to stay warmer and protect your ears. In some cases, you may choose to wear earplugs and earmuffs for additional protection, for example, in a particularly noisy environment or if you’re trying to get some sleep.
3. Regular Check-Ups
Take the time to attend regular hearing check-ups to make sure there are no underlying concerns to be aware of. If you have developed hearing problems or need to use hearing aids, you should ensure that you attend regular check-ups and monitor the development of these conditions. Speak to your doctor or hearing specialist about any concerns you may have.
4. Quit Smoking
Studies have shown that there is a link between smoking and hearing loss, so quitting and avoiding smoking can help to prevent these problems in the future. You may not notice hearing problems in the early years when you start smoking, but the risk of developing hearing loss and other conditions in the future is more likely to increase if you are a frequent smoker. Taking steps to cut down on smoking or quit altogether can help to improve your hearing health as well as many other aspects of your overall well-being.
5. Remove Earwax Safely
When you need to remove earwax from your ears, doing so safely is essential if you want to look after your ears and prevent hearing problems. Rather than inserting Q-tips and other tools into your ear canal, use a few drops of olive oil twice a day to soften the earwax and become dislodged naturally.
6. Give Your Ears a Rest
If you’ve attended a loud concert or been exposed to other loud environments recently, give yourself some time to relax and recover. It is riskier for your hearing health if you are exposed to loud environments for prolonged periods of time or consecutive days. Allowing yourself a few days in a row to relax in a quiet environment and stay away from loud noises can help to safeguard your hearing health and prevent hearing loss and other issues.
Support For Your Hearing Health
To prevent hearing loss and other hearing-related problems, it’s essential to get the support you need. While you might not struggle with any hearing problems at the moment, failing to look after your hearing health can leave you battling with issues in the future. You can visit hearing specialists in Clearwater who are based at Countryside Hearing Aid Services.
Picture Credit: 123rf.com