5 Ways to Protect Your Hearing and Live Fully

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 around the world face hearing challenges. As we go through daily life, 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.

1. 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 good news? Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is preventable. Here’s how you can safeguard your hearing:

   • Identify harmful noises in your environment (those surpassing 85 decibels).
   • Use hearing protection, such as earplugs, in noisy settings.
   • Distance yourself from loud noises whenever possible.
   • Protect the hearing of children who cannot protect themselves.
   • Even if you already have hearing loss, never underestimate the importance of hearing protection—it shields you from further damage.

2. 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 tiny hair cells that translate sound. Make walking a daily habit and aim for at least 10,000 steps.

   This daily stroll not only improves cardiovascular health and blood flow to the ears but also makes physical activity enjoyable and achievable. Lace up your sneakers, hit the pavement, and let the rhythm of your steps support a healthier, hearing-savvy lifestyle.

3. Stop Smoking

   Looking for a compelling reason to quit smoking? Here it is: smoking is linked to hearing loss. Nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarettes constrict blood vessels, depriving the inner ear of essential oxygen for healthy hair cells in the cochlea. People who smoke are 1.69 times more likely to have hearing problems. Quitting smoking not only helps your hearing but also reduces the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other health issues.

4. Schedule Regular Hearing Tests

   Take charge of your auditory health with regular hearing tests based on your age and hearing condition:

   • Normal hearing or under 55 years old: Have a hearing test every three years to monitor changes early.
   • Hearing loss or above 55 years old: Annual hearing tests are recommended to allow early intervention and proper management.

5. 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 to the brain. Untreated hearing loss may lead to brain atrophy, making it increasingly difficult 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 mindful of noise, staying active, and getting regular hearing checks, we ensure our hearing remains in top shape. For those considering hearing aids, it’s not just about hearing—it’s about fully enjoying life, where good hearing equals a good life.

• Perforated Eardrum and Its Impact on Hearing
• What is a Safe Listening Volume?