Protect your Hearing in the New Year
Are you making January resolutions to be more health-conscious? Don't forget to include the importance of your hearing health! Hearing loss is the third most common physical condition after arthritis and heart disease. Here are some tips to improve your hearing health.
SCHEDULE A HEARING TEST.
Even if you think your hearing is normal, regular hearing exams can detect even minor changes in your hearing. The earlier these changes are detected, the better the outcome. Here's a general guideline for hearing tests by age group:
Ages 18-45: Every five years. This may sound frequent for such a young age group, but this is the age where many environmental noises impact hearing - technology, concerts, workplace environments.
Ages 45-60: Every three years.
Ages 60+: Every two years.
If you suspect hearing loss at any age, you should visit an audiologist annually for a thorough hearing exam.
2. GET A TUNE-UP.
When was the last time you took your hearing aids in for a tune-up? Hearing aid wearers typically visit their audiologists at least once a year for a check-up and professional cleaning. But, it's essential that you tell your doctor about any technical difficulties or discomforts you're experiencing during this time so we can address them. Try taking notes in between appointments if you have trouble hearing in certain situations, so you'll remember to bring these up at your next exam. Also, ask if any newer hearing aid models might be a better fit for you than your current ones. Our doctors can tell you about other models that might solve whatever discomfort your current hearing aid is causing you and educate you on any new advances in the field.
3. EAT A HEALTHY, WELL-BALANCED DIET
Eating healthy is a great way to care for your health in general, but it can also positively impact your hearing. Not only can certain foods benefit your hearing, but some health conditions that are affected by diet, like high cholesterol, can negatively affect the functions of your ears. A healthy diet can give your ears essential and helpful nutrients and help prevent the development of other conditions that can impair ear and hearing functions. Learn more about the link between nutrition and your hearing here.
4. PROTECT YOUR HEARING
Last but certainly not least, always make sure you're protecting your hearing. Once you experience noise-induced hearing loss, there's no gaining it back. Pay close attention to noise levels, whether your work environment, phone/TV volume, or everyday noises like the lawnmower and hairdryer. Keeping a pair of earplugs nearby can significantly reduce your chances of hearing loss.
We hope this list has given you some ideas on maintaining and improving your hearing health in the New Year. We wish you all happiness and good health in 2022.
