Let’s take a look at some easy and practical steps to maintain your hearing health.
Your hearing health is important to feel your best and should be protected. Taking simple, proactive steps to protect your hearing health can significantly prevent damage for years to come. Here are a few easy-to-follow tips for maintaining your hearing health for the future (and don’t forget to visit the CapTel blog for more hearing-health-related tips).
Wear Hearing Protection During Loud Activities
Exposure to loud noises—whether at work, concerts, sporting events, or during recreational activities—can have long-term effects on your hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss happens gradually, and once hearing is damaged, it cannot always be restored. Wearing hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments is a simple yet effective way to reduce your risk of damage. Activities like mowing the lawn, attending sporting events, or using power tools should always involve protective measures. Custom-fit earplugs are a great option if you regularly find yourself in these situations.
Keep Volumes at Safe Levels
It’s tempting to turn up the volume on headphones, speakers, or your TV, but consistently listening at high levels can be harmful. To protect your hearing, follow the 60/60 rule: listen to music or audio at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time. Noise-canceling headphones can also help by reducing the need to raise the volume in noisy surroundings. Additionally, be mindful of volume levels in your car or at home—keeping them moderate benefits your hearing health and those around you, too.
Take Breaks from Noisy Environments
If you’re exposed to loud sounds for extended periods, give your ears a chance to rest. Taking short breaks in a quieter space allows your hearing to recover and reduces strain. For instance, stepping away from loud machinery or leaving a concert venue for a few minutes can help protect against prolonged exposure to damaging decibel levels.
Avoid Using Cotton Swabs to Clean Ears
It’s a common myth that cotton swabs are intended to clean earwax. In reality, they can push wax deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing blockages or damage to the eardrum. Your ears are self-cleaning, and earwax typically moves out naturally. If you feel there may be excess buildup, consult a healthcare professional who can safely remove it. Keeping objects not designed for safe use out of your ears goes a long way in preventing injury.
Protect Your Ears from Water and Infections
Moisture trapped in the ear can increase the risk of ear infections, which may affect hearing. If you enjoy swimming or water activities, consider wearing earplugs designed to keep water out. After exposure to water, gently dry the outside of your ears with a towel. If you experience pain or discomfort, seek treatment promptly to avoid complications.
Schedule Regular Hearing Check-Ups
Annual hearing tests are an important part of preventive care, much like eye exams or dental check-ups. A professional audiologist can assess your hearing health, identify early signs of hearing loss, and offer guidance to keep your hearing in good condition. Even if you haven’t noticed any issues, a yearly check-up can catch subtle changes before they become noticeable, helping you take action early.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
Your overall health plays a bigger role in hearing health than you might think. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress all contribute to better hearing health. Talk with your doctor about what exercise routine or diet may best benefit your overall health.
Maintaining your hearing health doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes—just a few thoughtful habits and preventative measures can go a long way. Prioritizing your hearing today means enjoying better hearing health for years to come. Visit the CapTel blog for more hearing health tips.
