The idea that diet plays a crucial role in strengthening bones and improving vision, and that eating healthy and getting regular exercise can keep you healthy, is a common understanding. 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.
Control 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 difficulties, there is not a lot you can do to alter that. You can limit the advancement with some wise lifestyle decisions.
Regardless of your age, if you don’t have a history of hearing issues in your family, it’s a good plan to take proactive measures to safeguard your hearing and set yourself up for a lifetime of healthy hearing by implementing the following strategies.
Keep your ears safe
If you work in a noisy setting or like to go to loud concerts, invest in some protection. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are a great idea.
Exposure to loud noises leads to noise-induced hearing loss.
Motivate your children and teens to utilize them as well. It’s never too early to take measures to protect your hearing.
Eat the right food
Incorporate these essential foods into your diet:
- Fish
- Legumes
- Garlic
- Bananas
- Dark chocolate
- Whole grains
- Broccoli
These foods consist of nutrients that supply strength for the tiny bones in your ears, while at the same time they protect against abnormal bone growth.
Stay physically engaged.
We need exercise to promote healthy blood circulation. Try walking, swimming, or cycling.
Doing regular low-impact physical activity improves the health of your heart and blood vessels, decreasing the likelihood of hypertension and its potential connection to hearing issues.
Stop Smoking for Good
Smoking contains harmful chemicals, like arsenic, ammonia, and formaldehyde, which weaken the inner workings of your ears and can result in hearing loss over time.
Additionally, it is linked to the development of tinnitus.
Limit alcohol
Consuming an excessive amount of alcohol within a short timeframe can affect your auditory well-being. It can result in impaired hearing, often referred to as cocktail deafness, where background sounds become muffled. Additionally, it might lead to a temporary ringing in the ears.
There is a possibility of these two phenomena becoming irreversible. If you experience hearing loss or ringing in the ears, it is advisable to talk to a hearing professional for an evaluation.
Take supplements that positively impact hearing health
The following supplements are not only excellent for your general health, but there are studies that link them to strengthening hearing health.
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Zinc
- Magnesium and Potassium
- Vitamins A, C, and E
- B Vitamins
Speak with your primary care physician to make sure they are okay for you.
Stay on top of your hearing health with routine exams
Having regular hearing tests is the most reliable method to detect any potential hearing problems or changes in your hearing early on.
Book a hearing test today
If you are currently managing hearing loss, think about these lifestyle changes and arrange a meeting with a skilled hearing professional as soon as you can.