In the big picture of life, hearing is like a special gift that connects us to all the sounds around us. But sometimes, this gift is at risk, and many people all over the world face problems with hearing. As we go through our daily lives, let's learn how to protect our hearing. From dealing with loud noises to taking a simple walk, each step can make our lives better.
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Turn Down the Volume
Preserving your precious hearing is crucial for overall well-being. Globally, an estimated 360 million people suffer from disabling hearing loss, with excessive noise being a major contributor. The silver lining? Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is preventable. Dive into our tips for safeguarding your hearing:
- Identify detrimental noises in your environment (those surpassing 85 decibels).
- Arm yourself with hearing protection, like earplugs, in noisy settings.
- Distance yourself from loud noises whenever feasible.
- Safeguard the hearing of youngsters who can't fend for themselves.
- Don't underestimate the significance of hearing protection, even if you already have hearing loss – it's your shield against further damage.
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Keep a Healthy Daily Exercise of 10,000 Steps
Exercise isn't just a health booster; it's a hearing hero too. Regular exercise enhances blood flow to the ears, vital for the health of those tiny, irreplaceable hair cells responsible for translating sound. Make walking a daily habit and aim for at least 10,000 steps.
Not only does a 10,000-step daily stroll contribute to improved cardiovascular health and enhanced blood flow to the ears, but it's also a fantastic way to make physical activity enjoyable and achievable. Lace-up those sneakers, hit the pavement, and let the rhythm of your steps become the beat to a healthier, hearing-savvy lifestyle.
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Stop Smoking
Seeking a compelling reason to quit smoking? Here it is: smoking is linked to hearing loss. Nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarettes can constrict blood vessels, depriving the inner ear of essential oxygen for maintaining healthy hair cells in the cochlea.
People who smoke are 1.69 times more likely to have hearing problems. Quitting smoking isn't just good for your hearing; it also lowers your chances of heart problems, lung cancer, and other smoking-related issues. -
Schedule Regular Hearing Test
Take charge of your auditory health with strategic hearing tests based on age and hearing conditions:
- You are with Normal Hearing or under the age of 55 years old: We recommend a hearing test every three years to ensure that any changes in your hearing ability are monitored and addressed promptly.
- You have hearing loss, or above the age of 55 years old: We recommend an annual hearing test so we can provide early intervention and management of potential hearing issues.
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Embrace Hearing Aids to Truly Live
If you've been diagnosed with hearing loss, embrace the hearing aid lifestyle. Amplification provides the necessary "brain boost" for your ears to transmit sound waves to the brain's auditory region. Untreated hearing loss may lead to brain atrophy, making it increasingly challenging to hear.
Wearing hearing aids not only benefits your hearing but also contributes to:
- Improved overall general health.
- Enhanced mental health, reducing loneliness associated with untreated hearing loss.
By being careful with noise, staying active, and getting hearing checks at the right times, we make sure our hearing stays good. For those thinking about using hearing aids, it's not just about hearing; it's about enjoying life completely – where good hearing means a good life.
