Tricks to Preventing Hearing Loss

Hand holding hearing protection earmuffs that can prevent hearing loss.

You’ve probably already noticed that your hearing is failing. Hearing loss frequently develops due to decisions you make without realizing they’re impacting your hearing.

Many kinds of hearing impairment are avoidable with a few basic lifestyle changes. What follows are 6 secrets that will help you protect your hearing.

1. Manage Your Blood Pressure

It’s not good if your blood pressure stays high. A study found that hearing loss was 52% more likely with individuals who have above average blood pressure and they are more likely to have other health issues also.

Reduce injury to your hearing by taking actions to lower your blood pressure. Don’t neglect high blood pressure or wait to see a doctor. Blood pressure management includes proper diet, exercise, stress management, and following your doctor’s advice.

2. Quit Smoking

Here’s one more reason to quit: People who smoke are 15% more likely to develop hearing loss. What’s even more surprising is that there’s a 28% higher chance of someone developing hearing problems if they are frequently subjected to second-hand smoke. Even if you leave the room, smoke lingers for long periods of time with harmful repercussions.

If you smoke, protect your hearing and consider quitting. Take steps to reduce your exposure to second-hand smoke if you spend time around a smoker.

3. Keep Your Diabetes Under Control

One out of four adults is either pre-diabetic or diabetic. Unless they make some serious lifestyle changes, somebody who is pre-diabetic will probably get diabetes within 5 years.

High blood sugar damages blood vessels, which makes it very hard for them to effectively transport nutrients. Compared to someone who doesn’t have diabetes, a diabetic person has more than twice the chance of developing hearing loss.

If you suffer from diabetes, take the steps required to properly manage it. Safeguard your hearing by making lifestyle changes if you are at risk of type 2 diabetes.

4. Lose Some Weight

This isn’t about body image or feeling great about yourself. It’s about your health. Hearing loss and other health conditions rise as your Body Mass Index (BMI) rises. A mildly obese woman (with a 30 to 34 BMI) has a 17% higher chance of getting hearing loss. A moderately obese person has a 25% risk of hearing loss if they have a BMI of 40.

Work to eliminate some of that extra weight. Your life can be prolonged and your hearing can be safeguarded by something as simple as walking for 30 minutes each day.

5. Don’t Overuse OTC Medications

Hearing loss can be the consequence of certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The more frequently these drugs are taken over a prolonged period of time, the higher the risk.

Common over-the-counter medications that impact hearing include aspirin, NSAIDs (like naproxen, ibuprofen), and acetaminophen. Take these drugs sparingly and consult your doctor if you’re taking them on a regular basis.

Studies reveal that you’ll probably be okay if you’re taking these medications occasionally in the recommended doses. The danger of hearing loss increases up to 40% for men, however, when these medications are taken on a day-to-day basis.

Always follow your doctor’s orders. Your doctor might be able to recommend some lifestyle changes that will reduce your dependence on these medications if you are using them every day.

6. Eat More Broccoli

Broccoli is high in nutrients and vitamins such as C and K and also is high in iron. Iron is essential to a healthy heart and strong blood circulation. Nutrients and oxygen are transported to your cells which helps keep them nourished and healthy and iron is an important part of this process.

If you’re a vegetarian or eat very little meat, it’s critical that you consume enough plant-based iron. The iron found in plants is not as bioavailable as the iron in meat so people in this group are more likely to be deficient in iron.

Pennsylvania State University researchers examined more than 300,000 people. The researchers discovered participants with anemia (extreme iron deficiency) were twice as likely to develop sensorineural hearing loss as those without the disorder. Age-related permanent hearing loss is what the technical term “sensorineural hearing loss” refers to.

Sound is received and sent to the brain by delicate little hairs in the inner ear which vibrate with the volume and frequency of that sound. If these hair cells die due to poor circulation or other complications arising from iron deficiency, they never grow back.

You’re never too young to have your hearing examined, so don’t wait until it gets worse. Prevent hearing loss by applying these simple secrets in your everyday life.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.