We frequently hear that certain diets are crucial for strong bones or better vision, and that exercise and healthy eating are vital to preventing disease. But did you know that your life choices can also substantially impact your hearing health? Read on to discover more about how your lifestyle choices can impact the health of your hearing.
Control what you can for your hearing health
Genetics plays a large role in whether you will have hearing issues. There isn’t a lot you can do about it if your parents and grandparents were hard of hearing. You can slow the progression with some sensible lifestyle choices.
Irrespective of your age, if you don’t have a history of hearing issues in your family, it’s a good idea to take proactive steps to protect your hearing and set yourself up for a lifetime of healthy hearing by applying the following strategies.
Protect your ears
If you work in a loud environment or like to go to loud concerts, purchase some protection. Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by exposure to loud noises.
Encourage your kids and adolescents to make use of them too. It’s never too early to take measures to safeguard your hearing.
Choose a healthy diet
Incorporate these vital foods into your diet:
- Fish
- Legumes
- Garlic
- Bananas
- Dark chocolate
- Whole grains
- Broccoli
These foods consist of nutrients that supply strength for the little bones in your ears, while at the same time they prevent abnormal bone growth.
Stay physically engaged.
Routine physical activity is important for maintaining good cardiovascular health. Think about adding activities like brisk walking, swimming laps, or riding a bike into your routine.
Engaging in regular low-impact physical activity enhances the health of your heart and blood vessels, reducing the likelihood of hypertension and its potential connection to hearing issues.
Stop Smoking for Good
The presence of harmful substances in cigarettes, such as arsenic, ammonia, and formaldehyde, can damage the internal mechanisms of your ears and eventually lead to hearing loss.
Additionally, it is linked to the progression of tinnitus.
Limit alcohol
Having too many cocktails in a short period of time can affect your hearing health. It can result in impaired hearing, typically referred to as cocktail deafness, where background sounds become muted. Additionally, it may result in a short-term ringing in the ears.
There is a possibility of these two situations becoming permanent. If you notice hearing loss or ringing in the ears, it is a good idea to reach out to a hearing specialist for an evaluation.
Use supplements that positively impact hearing health
The following supplements are not only good for your general health, but there are studies that connect them to strengthening hearing health.
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Zinc
- Magnesium and Potassium
- Vitamins A, C, and E
- B Vitamins
Talk with your primary care physician to make sure they are okay for you.
Schedule regular hearing tests
Routine hearing exams are the best way to pinpoint any hearing issues or changes to your hearing at an early stage.
Set up a hearing evaluation today
If you are already noticing some hearing loss, concentrate on these lifestyle choices, and schedule an appointment with an experienced hearing specialist today.
