We often hear that certain diets are important for strong bones or improved vision, and that exercise and healthy eating are key to protecting against disease. Were you aware that your hearing health can also be greatly affected by the lifestyle choices you make? It’s true! Keep reading to find out how what you do each day can affect your ears and hearing.
Manage the factors within your control to preserve good hearing.
Genetic makeup plays a large role in whether you will experience hearing issues. There isn’t a lot you can do about it if your parents and grandparents were hard of hearing. You can limit the progression with some smart lifestyle decisions.
Regardless of your age, if you don’t have a history of hearing issues in your family, it’s a smart plan to take proactive steps to protect your hearing and set yourself up for a lifetime of healthy hearing by implementing the following strategies.
Protect your ears
Consider investing in hearing protection if you’re frequently exposed to loud sounds at work or like attending high-volume events. Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
Exposure to loud sounds results in noise-induced hearing loss.
Encourage your children and teens to utilize them too. It’s never too early to take steps to protect your hearing.
Choose a healthy diet
Make it a point to include the following foods into your diet:
- Fish
- Legumes
- Garlic
- Bananas
- Dark chocolate
- Whole grains
- Broccoli
Foods like these are plentiful in essential nutrients that sustain the health of the delicate bones’ healthy growth and prevent irregular bone development.
Stay physically engaged.
We require exercise to ensure healthy blood circulation. Try walking, swimming, or cycling.
Engaging in consistent 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 forever
The presence of harmful compounds in cigarettes, including arsenic, ammonia, and formaldehyde, can harm the internal mechanisms of your ears and eventually lead to hearing loss.
Moreover, there is also a link between this and the inception of tinnitus.
Limit alcohol
Consuming a significant amount of alcohol within a short timeframe can impact your auditory well-being. It can lead to impaired hearing, typically referred to as cocktail deafness, where background sounds become muffled. It can also produce temporary tinnitus.
There is a possibility of these two situations becoming irreversible. If you notice hearing loss or ringing in the ears, it is advisable to talk to a hearing professional for an assessment .
Consume supplements that have a favorable effect on your hearing
The following supplements are not only excellent for your overall health, but there are studies that link them to supporting hearing health.
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Zinc
- Magnesium and Potassium
- Vitamins A, C, and E
- B Vitamins
Consult with your primary care doctor to confirm their suitability for your needs.
Stay on top of your hearing health with routine exams
Getting routine hearing assessments is the most reliable method to identify any potential hearing issues or changes in your hearing early on.
Book 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.