We often hear that specific diets are essential for strong bones or improved vision, and that exercise and healthy eating are key to protecting against disease. But did you know that your lifestyle choices can also considerably impact your hearing health? Read on to learn more about how your lifestyle choices can affect the health of your hearing.
Manage what you can for your hearing health
Your genetic inheritance has a lot to do with whether you experience hearing loss. If your parents and grandparents had hearing problems, there is not a lot you can do to alter that. By making educated decisions about your daily habits, however, you can decrease the advancement of the condition.
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 measures to protect your hearing and set yourself up for a lifetime of healthy hearing by applying the following strategies.
Keep your ears safe
If you work in a loud setting or like to go to loud concerts, invest in some protection. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are a good idea.
Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by exposure to loud noises.
Encourage your kids and teens to make use of them too. It’s never too early to take steps to safeguard your hearing.
Choose a healthy diet
Make it a point to incorporate the following foods into your diet:
- Fish
- Legumes
- Garlic
- Bananas
- Dark chocolate
- Whole grains
- Broccoli
These foods contain nutrients that provide strength for the tiny bones in your ears, while at the same time they prevent abnormal bone growth.
Be active
We need exercise to ensure healthy blood circulation. Try walking, swimming, or cycling.
Daily light exercise improves your cardiovascular health, which lowers the risk of high blood pressure and a link to hearing problems.
Stop Smoking for Good
The presence of hazardous compounds in cigarettes, such as arsenic, ammonia, and formaldehyde, can damage the internal mechanisms of your ears and eventually result in hearing loss.
In addition, it is connected to the development of tinnitus.
Reduce your alcohol drinking
Consuming a significant amount of alcohol within a short timeframe can affect your auditory well-being. It can lead to impaired hearing, often referred to as cocktail deafness, where background sounds become muted. It can also cause temporary tinnitus.
There is a possibility of these two situations becoming permanent. If hearing loss or tinnitus happens, you should consult with a hearing specialist for an assessment.
Consume supplements that have a favorable impact on your hearing
These supplements are beneficial for your overall well-being and have been linked to promoting good hearing health in numerous studies.
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Zinc
- Magnesium and Potassium
- Vitamins A, C, and E
- B Vitamins
Consult with your primary care doctor to verify their suitability for your needs.
Schedule regular hearing tests
Routine hearing tests are the best way to identify any hearing issues or changes to your hearing at an early stage.
Book a hearing test today
If you are already experiencing some hearing loss, focus on these lifestyle choices, and schedule an appointment with an experienced hearing specialist today.
