Prioritize healthy day-to-day life habits to maintain hearing longer.

Let's talk about something we often take for granted—our hearing.

You might've heard all about protecting your ears from loud noises, and honestly, it's crucial. Noise is the biggest culprit behind hearing loss in the U.S.

Think about it: loud bangs, fireworks, your job site, or even the power tools and rock concerts you love. It's all adding up. And then, some medicines—like certain cancer treatments, sildenafil, high doses of aspirin, and other pain relievers—can be ototoxic (that's a fancy word for "bad for your ears").

• Age
• Noise
• Genetic Factors
• Illness
• Neurological Disorders
• Medications
• Chemicals
• Physical Trauma
• Neurobiological Factors
• Diet

So many things can mess with our hearing! Did you know the CDC says noise above 70 decibels can start damaging your ears over time? And louder sounds will wreck them even faster. A dishwasher hits 75 decibels, and school cafeterias or traffic can reach 85+.

And if you're like me, you probably wonder, "What can we do if our parents lose their hearing? Are we doomed too?" Hearing loss is tied to dementia, depression, and feeling isolated—not a fun prospect.

For those who love eavesdropping on juicy conversations, healthy hearing is a must! 🤣😊😂😁

How Can We Protect Our Hearing?

A hearing check-up can be as vital as your annual physical or eye exam. If you're frequently saying “what” or “I didn’t hear you,” it might be time to see an audiologist. Notice a loved one speaking too loudly or too quietly? They might have hearing issues too.

Some preventative tips I found might surprise you. Living a healthy lifestyle can help keep the blood vessels in your ears in top shape. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, managing stress, and avoiding smoking all contribute to better hearing. And for those with Ménière's tinnitus, reducing salt intake can potentially provide significant improvements.

Our cardiovascular health is a strong indicator of our hearing health. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and stress can speed up hearing loss by affecting blood flow to our ears.

Can We Control Our Hearing Health?

Besides avoiding loud noises, let's focus on hidden factors damaging our hearing. Find healthy ways to manage stress. Exercise regularly—it boosts blood flow and reduces stress, a double win! And keep those earbuds and headphones clean!

Stay on top of chronic health issues, consider quitting smoking (1-800-QUIT-NOW) can help, and keep up with hearing screenings. We care about you and want you to enjoy the sounds of life with us!

It's estimated that up to half of hearing impairment cases are preventable. If you think you're dealing with too much noise or notice changes in your hearing, book an audiologist appointment. They can help you find customized hearing protection.

Make this the year you take control of your hearing health. Have a happy and safe 'Save Your Hearing' Day!

If you are an audiologist who struggles to track all of your appointments, marketing efforts, hearing aids, and accessories, We’d be happy to show you how TIMS can be your practice management solution.

Click here to schedule a demo.

Last updated May 21, 2024