Introduction
In today’s society, safeguarding your hearing is a vital health concern that each one of us must take notice of. Prolonged exposure to sound, listening to music at loud levels using headphones, or poor daily ear care can all contribute to hearing loss. Research shows that nearly 466 million people in the world have varying degrees of hearing loss, a lot of which is caused by improper daily habits. In this article, we will introduce ten daily habits to allow you to scientifically protect your hearing, reduce the risk of hearing loss, and improve the quality of life. By adopting these healthy habits, you can slow down hearing loss, maintain clear hearing, and facilitate communication and work.
1. Maintain low volume and avoid prolonged exposure to high decibels
In our daily lives, the majority of people prefer listening to music or watching videos through headphones, but prolonged exposure to loud volume will irreversibly damage their hearing. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels has a strong likelihood of resulting in hearing loss.
While using headphones, one is recommended to keep the volume below 60% of the maximum and rest for 5-10 minutes every hour. For example, a young executive who works five hours daily with headphones on and without controlling the volume might end up with mild to moderate hearing impairment in a couple of years. Listening through noise-isolating or noise-canceling headphones can provide one with a good listening experience at low volumes, thus sparing one’s hearing.
2. Avoid chronic exposure to noisy locations
Noisy locations such as industrial sites, construction sites, and bars pose a significant threat to hearing. A study shows that people who have been exposed to loud decibels for a long time have approximately a 30% higher risk of hearing loss than the general public.
In such environments, the use of professional earplugs or noise-reducing earmuffs is the best form of protection. For instance, eight-hour-a-day factory workers can cut their hearing loss risk by almost 50% if they use regular earplugs. Reducing time spent in high-noise areas and taking breaks from constant exposure are also significant forms of hearing protection.
3. Have regular hearing tests
Even when you don’t have noticeable hearing problems, regular hearing tests are still necessary. Hearing loss screening allows detection at an early stage and delays further advancement.
Evidence suggests that annual hearing tests for people over the age of 40 can reduce the incidence of severe hearing loss by approximately 20%. The tests may be carried out through professional hearing tests or an otologist. The moment even mild hearing problems are discovered, the use of hearing aids or modification of lifestyle habits can readily protect hearing and prevent disruptions in daily communication.
4. Contribution of a Healthy Lifestyle towards Hearing
Cardiovascular health, nutrition, and exercise are important factors in hearing. Good circulation ensures that the cochlea receives sufficient oxygen and nutrients so that auditory nerve function is preserved.
For example, a study established that people who engage in moderate exercise have a risk of hearing loss approximately 25% less than those who lead sedentary lives. Furthermore, reducing a diet high in salt and sugar and eating more foods that are filled with vitamins and minerals can promote ear health. Quitting smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol intake have also been discovered to be helpful for Hearing. So, not only is a healthy lifestyle beneficial for cardiovascular and overall health, but it has the ability to delay hearing loss as well.
5. Clean your ear canals nicely to prevent infection
Ear canal infections and earwax buildup are common causes of hearing loss. Improper use of cotton swabs or sharp objects to clean your ears can puncture the eardrum or push earwax deeper into the ear.
It is recommended to clean the outer ear using a soft towel and have a professional do the regular ear canal examinations. If you experience pain in the ears, ringing, or loss of hearing, see a doctor right away. Drying your ear canals and keeping them free of moisture can also avoid infection and protect hearing.
6. Avoid ototoxic drugs; if not, use them with caution
Certain drugs are ototoxic, and their prolonged or excessive use can affect hearing. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, and chemotherapy drugs, for example, can damage the cochlea.
Taking drugs under the supervision of a doctor and monitoring hearing changes can reduce the risk. If ototoxic drugs must be used for a long duration of time, your doctor may recommend regular hearing tests or alternative drugs to protect your hearing.
7. Avoid head or ear injuries
Head or ear injuries may result in hearing loss or tinnitus. Use of a helmet or ear protection while cycling, exercising, or taking part in family activities will prevent accidental injuries.
For instance, helmeted cyclists greatly lower their chances of ear injury. Additionally, children must guard their ears while playing or taking part in sports to avoid accidental hearing loss. Being alert and avoiding trauma are some of the essential habits for maintaining hearing.
8. A healthy and stress-free mind
Chronic stress may cause the narrowing of the blood vessels, preventing the flow of blood in the ears, and thus affecting hearing. Mental well-being is also equally important for hearing.
Evidence suggests that people who experience chronic stress are approximately 15% more likely to get hearing loss than others. Moderate exercise, meditation, normal sleep, and psychological treatment can effectively treat stress, and hearing can be indirectly protected.
9. Avoid inhaling harmful chemicals
The auditory nerve may also be damaged by prolonged exposure to certain chemicals, such as organic solvents and heavy metals. For example, people who work many years in spray painting, paint shops, or chemical laboratories without wearing protective equipment are at very high risk for hearing loss.
Wearing protective earmuffs, a mask, and gloves, and working in a well-ventilated area are significant steps to safeguard hearing. Getting regular hearing tests can also enable early detection of hearing issues due to chemical exposure.
10. Wearing hearing protection devices or hearing aids
For those who already suffer from mild hearing loss, hearing aid use can maintain hearing and avoid the mental fatigue of hearing loss. Wearing professional hearing protection in noisy environments is also a very effective way of maintaining healthy hearing.
Hearing aids are small and highly intelligent nowadays, adjusting volume automatically and reducing noise so that it is easy for users to hear in various situations. Proper use of hearing protection devices and hearing aids is an important part of daily hearing care.
Conclusion
The protection of hearing is a long-term and systematic job requiring a multi-faceted approach that includes health management, environmental protection, and lifestyle habits. There are ten daily habits—avoiding volume, avoiding noise, getting regular checkups, living a healthy life, cleaning the ear canal properly, using medications carefully, avoiding trauma, keeping the mind healthy, avoiding ototoxic chemicals, and using hearing aids or hearing protection—that can successfully reduce the risk of hearing loss. Forming these positive habits not only slows down hearing loss but also improves the quality of work and life, making communication easier and life more pleasant.
About ELHearing
ELHearing is a professional hearing aid supplier, providing high-quality and customized hearing aid wholesale business. We strive to produce hearing aids that are developed according to the needs of modern life, from tiny and cozy to smart noise reduction, and meet the hearing needs of all people. ELHearing also provides consulting, fitting, and after-sales service professionally to help every user regain clear hearing and improve the quality of life and work.