Statistics from the NIDCD tell us that one in eight people in the USA suffers from hearing the loss in both ears. Contrary to popular belief, old age isn’t the only factor that contributes to hearing loss. Unfortunately, in the age bracket of 20-69, only 16% of adults who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wear one. When most of us think about prioritizing our health, we tend to focus on exercise or healthy eating. You may not have spent much time thinking about your hearing health, but the fact is, it pays to take a few preventative measures against hearing loss.
Decrease the volume
It’s vital to moderate the decibel levels that you expose your ears to. Health guidance states that noises of 85dB and under are safe to listen to. However, keeping at the lower end of the scale is better for your hearing. When you are listening to music with headphones, it’s advisable to keep the volume control at around 60% or lower. It’s better to choose headphones that go over the ears as opposed to directly inside them eardrum.
Use earplugs
Many of us love attending live music concerts or night clubs, but how many of us think about the damage to our ears? Live gigs expose the ears to a dangerous decibel level of around 110dB. It’s important to wear earplugs in such an environment. You can purchase inexpensive earplugs from the store that will do the job just fine. The problem is, these cheaper types may make the music appear lower quality. If you purchase some high fidelity earplugs, that are especially for music, you’ll find that the quality is improved. Even one concert that’s too loud can cause damage to the ears, so it’s well worth investing in some good earplugs.
Regular hearing tests
It’s a good idea to get regular hearing tests with an ENT doctor. Sometimes, we don’t realize that our hearing is in decline right away. You may notice small indications at first( like your family always telling you to turn down the TV)! Perhaps you find yourself having to strain to listen during conversations? You may also find that it’s hard to tune out background noise from speech. When hearing problems are detected early, you can access the proper treatment before issues get worse. There are plenty of different types of hearing aids to suit different needs and conditions. Your ENT doctor will be able to advise you of the best option for you.
Working environments
If you are working in a loud environment, it is the responsibility of your employer to ensure that your hearing health is taken care of. Having said this, looking out for yourself is necessary too. If you feel that you aren’t being provided with accurate protection, talk to your employer as soon as possible. Earmuffs are another great form of ear protection that may be used for specific roles (construction work, for instance). These resemble larger headphones, and some types can offer higher attenuation levels than earplugs alone.
Proper self-care should include the entire spectrum of health; from getting enough protein, enough exercise and all manner of regular health check-ups.
