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Research shows that untreated hearing loss increases the risk of falls, depression, anxiety, and dementia. Hearing plays a major role in a person’s well-being, after all. There are several ways for your hearing to be improved before any serious damage happens.
Here are some tips to improve your hearing:
To be specific, this refers to any sound (or sounds) above 85 decibels. Of course, it’s likely not possible for this to be done 100% of the time, but just staying away whenever possible will go a long way. High-level noise exposure can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. This includes the likes of babies crying, power tools, lawnmowers, helicopters, motorcycles and even an alarm.
One of the best ways to keep your ears in good shape, and to avoid hearing loss, is to avoid putting anything too large into your ear. This includes headphones that are too large for your ear or objects that are sharp and/or pointy.
While a Q-tip (sometimes known as a cotton bud) is not sharp per se, it’s still not a good idea to use it to clean inside your ears. If you press too hard, you might rupture your delicate eardrum or even damage your ear canal.
Any built-up ear wax should best be left to a medical professional like an ear specialist.
Many people know about the benefits that exercise brings to the human body and overall health. However, a little-known fact is that even auditory health will get a specific boost when a person works out. That’s because blood flow to the ears increases when you exercise. Inner ear hair cells are then able to stay healthy. This is vital because when those are damaged, they can neither regenerate nor get helped along in any way. Your exercise routine should be very mild, with little pressure or strain; a short walk is good, as is some gentle yoga.
There is a disproportionately large amount of research that suggests smoking can affect hearing. In one Japanese study of 50,000 people, smokers were more likely to get high-frequency hearing loss by about 60%. There’s also a tendency for low-frequency hearing loss to develop, by about 20%.
Some people have a tendency not to use hearing aids even after they’ve been prescribed. If you’ve been instructed by a doctor to do so, wear them. Adjustments will likely have to be made over time. It’s important that they happen as needed. In some cases, people need to get new hearing aids entirely. Your doctor will be able to recommend what’s best for you.
Hearing plays a key role in the overall well-being of a person. Regular check-ups can help people to keep their ears working well. Several things can be done to improve hearing: quitting smoking, avoiding sharp objects and exercising.
In need of a hearing test in Abbotsford? Fraser Valley Beltone can help! We take an approach to hearing care that no other company is able to do. Set an appointment with us today!