5 Things That Could Affect Your Hearing

things that could affect your hearingMany factors affect hearing and other areas of our health and well-being. If you’re trying to look after your hearing health in Clearwater, it can be helpful to know what some of the driving factors are behind hearing loss and other common problems. There are various things that could affect your hearing, and the more you know, the better you will be able to understand hearing loss and the extent to which you could prevent it.

  • Blockages
    You may find that your hearing is temporarily affected by blockages caused by earwax, for example. While this can cause temporary hearing loss, in some cases, it can become worse and lead to more permanent hearing problems. You should avoid using Q-tips inside your ear canal but take other precautions to prevent the build-up of earwax and blockages in your ears, such as using olive oil to soften the wax and unblock it naturally. This will help to prevent any damage to your ear as well as keep hearing problems at bay.
  • Your Diet
    Some studies have concluded that more fruit and vegetables in your diet could help to reduce the risk of hearing loss by as much as 30%. A diet that includes plenty of natural and densely nutritious foods can help many aspects of your health, mentally and physically. Vitamins and nutrients, such as potassium and Vitamin C, found in many fruits, vegetables, and legumes, can help to boost your overall health and prevent hearing loss and other problems. While some researchers have wondered whether high caffeine consumption could increase the risk of hearing loss, studies have not found a link between the two.
  • Aging
    Over time, your ear structure and function will deteriorate, which can result in hearing problems. Losing your hearing because of age is also known as presbycusis. While there is nothing that you can do to prevent aging, there are steps you can take to stay as healthy as possible as you go through your life. For example, regular exercise and a balanced diet can help you to stay healthier and keep all your bodily functions running at an optimum level. Avoid spending prolonged periods of time around loud noises and busy environments, and ensure you go for regular hearing checks.
  • Loud Noises
    Exposure to loud or sudden noises can impact your hearing and ultimately result in hearing loss. Noisy environments, such as concerts, festivals, and clubs, create situations where your ears are exposed to loud noises for a prolonged period. Over time, this can weaken your hearing and lead to hearing loss and other related problems. Limit the time you spend in noisy environments and always allow a few days in between loud events to ensure your ears have a chance to recover. Consider wearing earmuffs or other protective equipment when you anticipate being surrounded by a lot of noise.
  • Medication
    Some medications can have side effects that impact your hearing. If you’ve been taking medication and have noticed a change in your hearing, check to see whether the medication warns against hearing-related side effects. You can also speak to your doctor about changing to a different medication. Some may cause temporary hearing loss, while prolonged use of medication can lead to permanent hearing loss in some cases.

Find Help With Your Hearing Problems
It’s important to seek help if you’re struggling with your hearing. Whether you think there are things that you could do to improve your hearing or you’re concerned about potential hearing loss, you can visit Countryside Hearing Aid Services in Clearwater, Florida, to find out more.

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