Prioritize Better Hearing in the New Year!

Hearing loss is one of the most common medical conditions people live with today. Nearly 1 in 6 people have some degree of impaired hearing. This new year, prioritize better hearing health by taking the steps to protect your health and wellness. Practicing the following strategies can support your hearing health and wellness, reducing your risk of developing hearing loss. 

1. Schedule a hearing test. Hearing tests are often not prioritized, though hearing loss is a pervasive health issue people experience. In a study on hearing loss inaction published by the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association, researchers surveyed nearly 2,500 people and found that only 2 in 10 adults have had a hearing test in the past 5 years, compared to 6 in 10 adults who have had their vision tested. This highlights how hearing health is often deprioritized, leading to delayed treatment. 

It is important to get your hearing evaluated regularly. Hearing test involve a painless 

process that measures hearing capacities in both ears. This identifies any hearing loss and the degree of impairment you could be experiencing. Even if you do not have hearing loss, it is important to establish a baseline of your hearing health so you can readily identify changes you may experience in the future. Schedule an appointment for a hearing test in the new year to know where your hearing health is at. 

2. Increase physical activity. Exercise offers many benefits including boosting energy, supporting the immune system, reducing health risks, and processing stress. It also encourages healthy blood flow and circulation which supports many of the body’s systems including the auditory system – the sensory system for hearing. Though the idea of exercising may be overwhelming, there are simple ways you can increase physical activity. This includes taking a daily walk, stretching a few minutes a day, and finding a physical activity you enjoy – golfing, swimming, biking, yoga etc. 

3. Adjust diet. Eating healthy also supports healthy hearing. A major study that investigated the link between diet and hearing health was conducted by Harvard Medical School. After evaluating over 80,000 people for several years, researchers found that people following healthy dietary patterns were 30% less likely to experience hearing loss. These dietary patterns consist of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and legumes which offer an abundance of nutrients that support healthy hearing. This includes potassium, magnesium, zinc, folate, and Vitamins C and D. Be sure to integrate more of these foods and nutrients into your everyday diet in the new year. 

4. Avoid triggers. Extensive studies show that smoking and drinking increase the risk of developing hearing loss. Experts suggest that nicotine and alcohol can damage blood vessels and restrict blood flow in the inner ear where sound waves are processed. Committing to eliminating smoking and drinking – or reducing intake as much as possible – can really benefit your hearing health and wellness. 

5. Reduce loud noise exposure. Loud noise is a common cause of hearing loss. One time or regular exposure to loud noise can damage the sensory cells in the inner ear, causing permanent noise induced hearing loss. Fortunately, this type of hearing loss is entirely preventable. Practicing the following safety measures in the new year can protect your hearing health: 

• Wear hearing protection. This includes headphones, earplugs, or earmuffs which provide a physical barrier for the ears; reducing the amount of loud noise that is absorbed. 
• Take listening breaks. Taking 5-10 minute listening breaks throughout the day provides the ears and brain with time and space to recuperate from constantly working to process sound. 
• Lower volume: maintaining low volume settings on electronic devices is another important safety measure. Electronic devices can reach dangerously high volumes so be sure to lower the volume on your TV, phone, speaker etc. 
• Avoid loud noise: avoid noisy restaurants especially during peak hours, take alternate routes to avoid heavy traffic and construction sites. 

6. Explore hearing technologies. In addition to hearing aids, there is a range of hearing technologies that also support hearing health. This includes assistive listening devices and hearing aid accessories. Be sure to discuss the spectrum of hearing technologies with your hearing healthcare provider. 

Practicing these tips during the new year can help you prioritize your hearing health and wellness. Contact us to take the first step of scheduling an appointment for a hearing consultation!