We all know that we should take care of our bodies, but often times we don’t think about the long-term effects of not doing so until it’s too late. One part of the body that is often neglected when it comes to taking care of ourselves is our ears. Many people don’t realize that there are simple steps they can take to avoid hearing loss down the road. In this blog post, we will discuss some helpful tips on how to take care of your ears and protect your hearing!
Avoid Loud Noises
One of the most important things you can do to take care of your ears is to avoid loud noise. If you are frequently exposed to loud noises, it can damage the delicate structures inside your ear and lead to hearing loss. If you must be around loud noise, make sure to wear ear protection.
Test your protection to make sure it’s working properly. Faulty products can actually make the noise louder and put you at more risk for hearing damage.
Avoid Loud Music
Just like loud noises, listening to loud music can also damage your hearing. If you enjoy listening to music, make sure to keep the volume at a moderate level. You should be able to hear someone speaking to you from three feet away while the music is playing.
If you use headphones, don’t have them blasting music directly into your ears for long periods of time. Over time, this can damage the hair cells in your ear and lead to hearing loss.
Give Your Ears a Break
After being exposed to noise, it’s important to give your ears a break. This will help reduce any potential damage that has been done and allow your ears to recover.
Get Adequate Sleep
Sleep is important for overall health, and that includes the health of your ears. Getting enough sleep helps to reduce stress and allows your body to repair any damage that has been done.
If you’re not getting enough sleep, your body won’t be able to properly heal itself and you may be more susceptible to hearing loss.
Stay Hydrated
Your ears are made up of delicate tissues that need to be kept healthy in order to function properly. One way to do this is by staying hydrated.
When you’re dehydrated, the tissues in your ear can become dry and irritated. This can lead to inflammation and eventually hearing loss.
So make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day!
Use Earplugs and Earmuffs
If you are going to be exposed to loud noise, it’s important to wear earplugs or earmuffs. Earplugs fit snugly into your ear canal and block out noise. Earmuffs go over your ears and also help block out noise.
Don’t Clean Your Ears with Cotton Swabs
Cotton swabs may seem like the perfect tool to clean your ears, but they can actually do more harm than good. When you insert a cotton swab into your ear, you could be pushing wax further into your ear canal which can lead to an ear infection. If you must clean your ears, do so gently with a washcloth.
Keep Your Ears Dry
Water can cause ear infections, so it’s important to keep your ears dry. When you shower, use a washcloth to gently wipe the water away from your ear.
If you swim, wear earplugs or a swim cap to keep water out of your ears.
Maintain Stress Levels
Stress can actually lead to hearing loss. When you’re stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol has been shown to damage the hair cells in your ear which can lead to hearing loss.
If you are experiencing stress, there are many things you can do to help reduce it such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
Use Earwax Solution
If you have too much earwax build-up, it can block your ear canal and make it difficult to hear. There are over-the-counter solutions that can help remove the excess wax.
Don’t Ignore Ear Pain
If you are experiencing ear pain, don’t ignore it! It’s important to see a doctor to find out what is causing the pain. Ear pain can be a sign of an infection or another serious condition.
Medications
Some medications can cause hearing loss as a side effect. If you are taking any medication, make sure to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and side effects.
Wash Your Ears Regularly
It’s important to keep your ears clean to avoid infection. Wax buildup can also cause hearing loss by blocking sound from entering the ear canal. You should wash your ears with soap and water or use a cotton swab to remove any wax buildup. Be careful not to insert the cotton swab too far into your ear canal as this can damage your eardrum.
Get Your Hearing Tested Regularly
If you are worried about hearing loss, it’s important to get your hearing tested regularly. This will help you catch any problems early on and get the treatment you need.
Hearing loss is a common problem, but there are things you can do to avoid it. by following the tips above, you can help keep your ears healthy. If you think you may have a problem, don’t ignore it! Be sure to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.