Hearing loss is a common ailment associated with aging. The reasons many people suffer from hearing loss as they age, however, may surprise you.
Hearing loss may have less to do with the “breakdown” of the body as we age, and much more to do with our habits throughout our lives.
This is good news for anyone who wants to avoid hearing loss: there are things you can do to prevent it, even if it has already started.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
Age-related hearing loss is most commonly caused by exposure to loud noise.
You see, hearing damage is cumulative, meaning it adds up over time. So all of those loud concerts and bar scenes you went to as a teen may affect your hearing in the future.
Any time, after a loud evening out, you noticed a ringing in your ears or you temporarily couldn’t hear very well… that was temporary hearing damage. And if that happens often enough, it can eventually cause permanent hearing loss.
What Can I Do Now?
Hearing damage is not only cumulative, it’s irreversible.
You can’t undo what’s been done in the past, but there is a lot you can do to prevent permanent hearing loss or to halt hearing loss that is already in progress.
Check it Out
The most important thing you can do to prevent hearing loss is to have an annual hearing screening. After all, if you don’t know your hearing is declining you may not realize anything should be done.
Hearing screenings measure your hearing from year to year… and if done regularly can catch hearing losses in the earliest stages, before you even notice it yourself. And when you catch it early, you have lots of options.
Turn it Down
Since most hearing loss is due to exposure to loud noises, it makes sense that reducing or avoiding loud noises would help to prevent hearing damage. Keep TVs and devices at reasonable volumes (usually no louder than 50%) and choose over-the-ear headphones over earbuds, as those are less likely to cause hearing damage.
If you find yourself at a loud event or venue, be prepared with earplugs to protect your hearing.
Keep it Up
Regular exercise and a whole food diet free of sugar and processed foods will keep the blood flowing to your ears and the rest of your body. When your body is healthy, your ears are healthy too!
Try to take a daily walk around the block at a quick pace, and shop the perimeter of the grocery store. Cook at home often!
These simple tips will help you to prevent hearing loss even into old age.
The first step to halting hearing loss and preventing further damage is to recognize your situation. Come in today for a hearing screening and formulate a strategy to train your brain to listen actively and effectively.
Diablo Hearing Services 2301 Camino Ramon, STE 106 San Ramon (925) 394-4646