As we welcome a new year, many of us set goals for better overall health. But how often do we consider our hearing health when making resolutions? Our ears play a crucial role in our daily lives, from enjoying conversations to listening to music to healthy aging. Protecting your hearing is essential to maintaining your quality of life. Here are some steps you can take this year to ensure your ears stay healthy.
Be Mindful of Volume Levels
Excessive noise exposure is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Follow the 60/60 rule when using earbuds or headphones: listen at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time. If you're in a loud environment, use noise-canceling headphones to block out background noise and reduce the temptation to turn up the volume. These steps can help prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) over time.
Wear Hearing Protection
If you work in a noisy environment or enjoy activities like concerts, hunting, or using power tools, invest in high-quality earplugs or earmuffs like these. These can significantly reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
Avoid Cotton Swabs
It’s a common misconception that cotton swabs are necessary for ear cleaning. In reality, they can push wax deeper into your ear canal and potentially cause damage. Your ears are self-cleaning, but if you experience wax buildup, consult a healthcare professional for safe removal.
Keep Your Ears Dry
Moisture in the ears can lead to infections like swimmer’s ear. After swimming or bathing, gently dry your ears with a towel. For frequent swimmers, consider using earplugs designed to keep water out.
Maintain Overall Health
Your hearing health is closely tied to your overall health. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease can impact your hearing. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress to keep your ears and body in good shape.
Get Regular Hearing Checkups
Just like vision or dental health, your hearing should be checked regularly, especially if you notice any changes. Early detection of hearing loss can help you take steps to prevent further damage. Set a goal to visit an audiologist in the new year.
Care for Your Hearing Health After Noise Exposure
Sometimes, we can’t avoid loud noise exposure or hearing protection isn’t enough. Taking steps to help your ears recover after exposure is critical. Spend time in a quiet environment to help your ears recover. You can also make hearing wellness a habit by using tools like ReBound cold therapy.
Educate Yourself and Others
Spread awareness about hearing health to your family and friends. The more people understand the importance of protecting their hearing, the healthier everyone’s ears will be.
By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can set yourself up for a year of healthy hearing. Start small, and over time, these steps will become second nature. Your ears will thank you!