As we get older, we may gradually lose our hearing, but some of it is within our control. For example, you shouldn’t fire your concealed carry gun without hearing protection on the shooting range.
You also can prevent loss of hearing by following our simple tips below.
Stay Away From Noisy Environments
The best thing we can do to avoid significant hearing loss as we age is to stay away from loud noises. But how do you know if noise is bad enough to damage your ears?
Expats say that noise can damage hearing if you need to talk louder so other people can hear you. Also, if you are in a noisy restaurant and you cannot hear what someone is saying across from you, this could be enough to cause problems.
Generally, it’s not recommended to be around noises that are 85 decibels or greater for extended periods. For example, a typical gas lawn mower can be above 100 decibels; if you cut the grass without hearing protection regularly, you can damage your hearing.
Make sure you use adequate hearing protection if you are doing work around the home that involves loud noises.
Technology is making it easier for us to avoid loud noises; mobile apps are available that check noise in our environment. Use these handy tools so you are able to hear in your 60s, 70s, and beyond.
Reduce Headphone Volume
Earphones are popular as Bluetooth, and wireless connectivity is common and accessible. But this means that many people have earbuds in their ears for hours per day, and they may have the volume too high.
Experts say that if you’re listening to music on your earphones and someone next to you can hear it, the volume is too loud. Another tip: Don’t listen to your music above 60% volume for more than one hour per day.
Fortunately, many smart devices that stream music have a feature that automatically reduces volume if you exceed recommended levels.
Check That Your Ears Are Clear
Sometimes, not being able to hear isn’t hearing loss; earwax can block the ear canal without you knowing it.
It’s widespread for younger people experiencing hearing loss to have a problem with impacted earwax. Have your physician check your ears for excessive earwax and clean them out if needed.
Older people with hearing aids also may have wax buildup from inadequate air ventilation in the ear canal.
Remember To Exercise
Daily exercise is good for our bodies, and it even can improve our hearing. Studies show that vigorous exercise can increase blood circulation to all parts of the body, which can even positively affect your ears.
Don’t Use Cotton Swabs
It can be satisfying to put a cotton swab in your ear to get rid of earwax, but it’s easy to stick the swab in too far and damage the eardrum. Also, a small amount of earwax can stop dust and other harmful particles from entering the ear, so you don’t want to remove it all, anyway.
Try Noise-Canceling Headphones
If you’re in a noisy environment at work, try some high-quality noise-canceling headphones. These will help to reduce background noise to protect your hearing. And you will probably get more work accomplished so you can focus on your work.
One of the problems with hearing loss is that we often don’t realize things we do every day that damage our ears. But you can protect your hearing if you remember the tips above, so you will be able to hear well for decades to come.
