One and three people over the age of 65 will struggle with hearing loss, while this number jumps to one in two, 75 years and older. Even so, hearing loss affects people of all ages for various reasons. Because of the common nature of hearing loss, it’s important to stay on top of your hearing health. This means monitoring it for treatment and doing your best to prevent it when you can.

The CDC estimates that 12.5% of children and adolescents aged 6–19 years (approximately 5.2 million) and 17% of adults aged 20–69 years (approximately 26 million) have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive exposure to noise. Part of the problem is that there is a lack of awareness around hearing loss which makes it more rampant in our society. Often people don’t even know when in fact, their hearing is at risk. Even more pressing is the dangers of avoiding treatment which can lead to chronic loneliness, depression, cognitive decline and a higher risk of falls and accidents leading to hospitalization.

It’s never too early—or too late—to begin wearing hearing protection around loud noises. Even if you already have hearing loss it’s can still always become worse. However, by adopting a healthy lifestyle and following a few tips to protect your ears, can go a long way towards healthy hearing for years to come. Here are just a few tips:  

Staying Active

It may be a surprise, but regular exercise is not for your muscles and heart. Our whole body’s health is connected, and this includes your ears. Our inner ears hold hair like cells which are the sole transport of sound from the inner ear to the brain. It achieves this by converting audio vibrations into electrical impulses which are sent to the audio cortex of the brain where sounds are identified, and speech interpreted. These cells rely on a regular and healthy supply of blood to stay healthy. In fact, when the blood supply is limited due to health risks which may evolve from lack of activity and exercise it could damage these cells, causing permanent hearing damage. 

Manage your blood pressure and cardiac health

The risk of high blood pressure and heart disease rise as we age. Staying active can keep this risk down, but sometimes it may take special interventions from your doctor such as medication and diet changes to keep these chronic conditions from becoming worse. When high cholesterol or hypertension go unmanaged it can affect the flow of the blood to the inner ear, causing hearing loss.

Stop smoking and vaping, and limit drinking

There has always been a stigma in society about these vices, both of which are incredibly addictive and have a wide array of health risks. One such risk is hearing loss. Smoking tobacco products constricts the blood vessels, increasing the risk of a poor supply of blood to the ears. Too much alcohol consumption on a regular basis can lead to shrinkage of  the auditory cortex, which limits your ability to process sounds – and ultimately hear them. This can affect the way the brain is able to hear sound in noise. 

Managing you diabetes

Research has shown that people with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss. This is because the of the dangerous risk which all cells in your body face when diabetes is unmanaged. The cells of your inner ear are at risk for damage, so It’s important to keep your blood sugar under control and follow your doctor’s orders for managing diabetes. 

Eating a balanced diet

One aspect of blood and heart health is your diet. What we choose to put in our bodies in terms of food can make a big difference for our overall health, including our hearing. It’s recommended that to support healthy blood flow to your ears and throughout your body to prioritize a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting processed foods and sugars. 

Attend regular hearing screenings

One of the most difficult aspects of keeping up with your hearing health is that is is all too common to live years with hearing loss and not even realize it, due to the gradual manner in which it develops. Even so, this doesn’t mean it’s not affecting you. Screening for hearing loss annually after the age of 65 can keep you on top of any changes to your hearing. Schedule your next appointment with us today!