Hearing impairment may occur over time. This is why it is important to preserve your hearing on a daily basis. Two major factors are at the origin of hearing loss:
– age
– frequent and intense exposure to noise.
As we age, the hair cells in the ears tend to gradually break down and pick up less and less sound vibrations. Likewise, loud noises and sounds damage these cells over time. While the effects may be minor, such as occasional mild annoyances, other more serious problems such as tinnitus, irritability, depression, social isolation, hyperacusis (excessive sensitivity of hearing), or even total hearing loss can occur.
Here are 7 tips to prevent hearing loss.
1. Avoid frequent exposure to loud noises
Whether it’s music played at maximum volume, loudspeakers at concerts, noise from motorcycles , sports cars or the noise of power tools such as drills or saws, frequent exposure can prematurely damage hearing. In addition, the excessive use of headphones, especially with a volume that is too high, is detrimental to hearing. If you use headphones or if you have to work with tools or in a noisy place, remember to take regular breaks, at the rate of 10 break minutes every hour if possible.
2. Wear hearing protection
If prolonged exposure to loud noises is unavoidable, remember to protect your ears. Do not hesitate to use headphones or earplugs to avoid excessive exposure to noise. Earplugs can reduce noise from to 30 decibels. You can easily find foam or rubber models as per your convenience. If the noise intensity is too high, you can wear earplugs and earmuffs at the same time for maximum protection.
3 . Properly clean earwax
Earwax is useful for protecting the eardrum. This yellowish, slightly waxy substance secreted in the ear canal prevents dust and bacteria from entering it. Of course, an accumulation of wax in the ears can muffle the sound. In general, excess earwax drains to the outer pinna. It is necessary to clean it. However, avoid using a cotton swab, as it can push the wax deeper into the ear canal. Instead, use a home irrigation kit to soften the wax and gently wash it off. If it is compacted in your ear, it is best to seek advice from a doctor to remove it. Be careful, the frequent use of washing the auditory pavilion is also not recommended. If the production of earwax is too important, use a spray to facilitate the outflow. In case of pain, consult a doctor. Because it could mean that the eardrum is pierced. You can also alternate cleaning by using ear picks or ear curettes.
4. Protect your ears from water
Water, especially if it contains salt or chlorine, can cause an ear infection. Remember to dry the ear flaps thoroughly after swimming or showering. If you have sensitive ears, use earplugs to protect yourself. There are models suitable for swimming and which allow sound to filter through while remaining waterproof.
5. Limit the intake of ototoxic drugs
There are nearly 200 drugs that contain substances that can damage hearing, including certain antibiotics and anti-cancer medicines. These drugs are called ototoxic. You should know that even too large doses of aspirin can damage the ears. If you are taking any prescription medication, check with your doctor to make sure it won’t have any impact. If you need to take medicine that can damage your ears, make sure your doctor checks your hearing and balance before and during your treatment.
6. Quit smoking
Tobacco can also seriously damage your hearing. Indeed, smoking is associated with an increased risk of hearing loss which will however improve gradually, after stopping smoking. So if you smoke, that’s another good reason to quit.
7. Eat Hearing-Friendly Foods
It is true that food alone is not enough to provide complete protection or cure hearing loss. But they can help keep the ears healthy. A sufficient intake of vitamin D thus helps to strengthen the bone structure of the inner ear through better absorption of calcium. Fish such as sardines or salmon are rich in vitamin D. In addition, magnesium and vitamins C, A and E have antioxidant properties that help fight against free radicals that can damage the hearing system during a hearing. noise exposure. Dairy products, green vegetables, broccoli, cabbage, citrus fruits, carrots, squash and apricots are excellent providers.
When to wear a hearing aid
If necessary, wearing a hearing aid may be essential in order to maintain a correct level of hearing. It is not necessarily the fault of your exposure to loud noises or the poor maintenance of your ears, but age is unfortunately a factor that no one can escape. The examples of nutrition and protection given above will allow you to keep your hearing in the best possible condition for as long as possible. But if the need arises, you should not hesitate to consult an otolaryngologist (ENT). This does not mean that sooner or later you will need to wear a hearing aid, but considering it and exploring the possibilities can only benefit you.
As an indicator please note that your hearing case becomes critical after an average hearing loss greater than 50 decibels. This will create a handicap in your hearing that you cannot escape. You will experience real difficulty listening to conversations even close to you. You must be aware of this and initiate the process yourself. The ENT can only advise you as best as possible on the type of hearing aid that will best suit you.
Hearing aids have become very common today to such an extent that you easily found in pharmacies. No prescription needed. This does not mean that you should neglect the step of choosing your prosthesis. Depending on your level of hearing, your ENT specialist will advise you on the type of hearing aid that is right for you. Sites such as laboratories-unisson.com offer you prostheses according to all types of needs. You will have to make your choice according to different ranges, sizes and of course prices, each hearing aid having its advantages and disadvantages.
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