We frequently hear that certain diets are essential for strong bones or improved vision, and that exercise and healthy eating are vital to protecting against disease. But did you know that your lifestyle choices can also substantially impact your hearing health? It’s true! Continue reading to discover how what you do every day can affect your ears and hearing.
Manage the factors within your control to preserve good hearing.
Your genetic inheritance has a lot to do with whether you experience hearing loss. If your parents and grandparents had hearing problems, there is not a lot you can do to alter that. You can limit the advancement with some sensible lifestyle decisions.
If you have no hearing problems in your family, no matter your age, start making some changes that will positively affect your hearing health like those below.
Keep your ears safe
Consider purchasing hearing protection if you’re frequently exposed to loud sounds at work or enjoy attending high-volume events. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are a great idea.
Exposure to loud sounds leads to noise-induced hearing loss.
Urge your kids and adolescents to make use of them too. You can never begin too young to safeguard your hearing.
Choose a healthy diet
Integrate these essential foods into your diet:
- Fish
- Legumes
- Garlic
- Bananas
- Dark chocolate
- Whole grains
- Broccoli
These foods contain nutrients that provide strength for the tiny bones in your ears, while at the same time they protect against abnormal bone growth.
Be active
Regular physical activity is crucial for preserving good cardiovascular health. Consider incorporating activities like brisk walking, swimming laps, or riding a bike into your routine.
Regular light exercise enhances your cardiovascular health, which decreases the risk of high blood pressure and a connection to hearing problems.
Stop Smoking for Good
Smoking contains harmful chemicals, like arsenic, ammonia, and formaldehyde, which weaken the inner workings of your ears and can lead to hearing loss over time.
Moreover, there is also a connection between this and the inception of tinnitus.
Reduce your alcohol consumption
Having too many cocktails in a short period of time can affect your hearing health. It can trigger a temporary loss of the ability to pick up background noises known as cocktail deafness. It can also produce temporary tinnitus.
It is possible that these two phenomena could become irreversible. If hearing loss or tinnitus happens, you should consult with a hearing specialist for an assessment.
Use supplements that positively impact hearing health
The following supplements are not only great for your general health, but there are studies that connect them to strengthening hearing health.
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Zinc
- Magnesium and Potassium
- Vitamins A, C, and E
- B Vitamins
Seek advice from your primary care doctor to confirm their suitability for your needs.
Schedule routine hearing exams
Getting routine hearing tests is the most reliable method to detect any potential hearing problems or changes in your hearing early on.
Book a hearing evaluation today
If you are currently managing hearing loss, consider these lifestyle changes and set up a meeting with a skilled hearing professional as soon as possible.