Tips for Healthy Hearing

Hearing loss can happen at any age and result from many factors outside of our control. While noise exposure is the most common threat, other preventable culprits pose threats as well. The tips below can help identify risks and prevent hearing loss — or stop it from getting worse.

Preventive Tips to Keep Your Hearing Sharp

Control the volume. Exposure to loud noises on a regular basis is one of the most common reasons for hearing loss — and the most preventable. If you can’t reduce your exposure, be sure to protect your ears by using ear plugs or wearing noise cancelling headphones. Check prescription medications for side effects related to hearing loss. More than 100 medications, including antibiotics and cancer-fighting drugs, can damage hearing. Check with your doctor to make sure that any prescription medications you’re taking won’t impact your hearing.
Protect your ears from extreme cold by wearing a hat or ear muffs. Never stick cotton swabs or other objects in your ear to remove wax or scratch your ear.

Don’t smoke.

Research shows that tobacco can raise the risk of hearing loss. Pay attention to your overall health — people with high blood pressure or diabetes may be more susceptible to hearing loss.
Have your ears checked during annual physical exams. Earwax buildup can temporarily muffle sounds. Talk to your doctor about at-home irrigation treatments or schedule an appointment to have the earwax removed.

Treat allergies promptly:

Blocked sinuses can interfere with hearing. Consider having a baseline hearing test done.

An Ounce of Prevention

Staying aware of hearing loss risks is key to protecting your ears. If you’re concerned about symptoms of hearing loss in yourself or a loved one, schedule an appointment with an our hearing experts who can give you a comprehensive hearing evaluation and discuss treatment options.

Custom Ear Protection

Sound Hearing Care makes custom ear plugs to prevent hearing damage from guns, lawn equipment and work related noise.  Same day turn around is available for most products.  Call or click today to schedule your appointment.

Article courtesy of: https://www.carecredit.com/cardholder/newsletters/0417/LandingPages/article05.php