The sense of hearing is one of the most important senses humans have. It allows us to communicate, enjoy music, and be alerted to dangers. With all these benefits, it’s no wonder that most people look for ways to prevent hearing loss. There are many causes of hearing loss, but some of the most common include overexposure to loud noises and certain health conditions. What are ways to prevent hearing loss? Here are some of them.
1. Stay Away From Extremely Loud Noises
We can’t always avoid loud sounds, but avoiding extremely loud noises is one of the best ways to prevent hearing loss. The “threshold of pain” is considered to be 130 decibels. Any sound louder than this can cause damage to the delicate hairs in your inner ear that are responsible for sending sound signals to your brain. If you can stay away from sounds this loud, you’ll be doing your ears a big favor.
2. Take Breaks From Loud Noises
If you can’t avoid loud noises altogether, at least try to take breaks from them. This will give your ears a chance to rest and recover from the exposure. If you work in a noisy environment, take a break outside of the noise whenever possible. And if you’re attending a concert or sporting event, give your ears a break by leaving every once in a while to get some fresh air. Your ears will thank you.
3. Wear Ear Protection When Necessary
There are times when avoiding or taking breaks from loud noise just isn’t possible. If you find yourself in this situation, make sure to wear ear protection. This can be in the form of earplugs or earmuffs. These can be especially crucial when you’re drilling or using a power saw. Earplugs or ear muffs can reduce noise by as much as 30 decibels. If you’re not sure which type of ear protection to get, consult with an audiologist.
4. Don’t Smoke
Smoking is not only bad for your lungs, but it’s also bad for your ears. Smoking can make you more susceptible to hearing loss as well as tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Ringing in the ears is often an early sign of hearing loss, so if you notice this symptom, it’s a good idea to get your hearing checked. If you smoke, you can protect your ears by quitting. If you can’t quit, at least try to smoke less.
5. Get Your Hearing Checked Regularly
If you’re concerned about hearing loss, one of the best things you can do is to get your hearing checked regularly. This will allow you to catch any problems early, which can make them easier to treat. You should have your hearing tested at least once every three years, but more often if you’re exposed to loud noises regularly. If you have hearing loss, you may need to have your hearing checked more often.
These are some of the best ways to prevent hearing loss. By following these steps, you can enjoy your sense of hearing for many years to come.