We often hear that certain diets are essential for strong bones or better vision, and that exercise and healthy eating are key to preventing disease. But did you know that your lifestyle choices can also significantly impact your hearing health? It’s true! Keep reading to discover how what you do every day can affect your ears and hearing.
Control what you can for your hearing health
Genetics plays a large part in whether you will have hearing problems. There isn’t much you can do about it if your parents and grandparents were hard of hearing. You can limit the progression with some wise lifestyle choices.
If you have no hearing issues in your family, no matter your age, start making some changes that will positively impact your hearing health like those below.
Protect your ears
If you work in a noisy environment or like to attend loud concerts, invest in some protection. Use earplugs or noise cancelling headphones.
Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by exposure to loud sounds.
Encourage your children and teens to use them as well. You can never start too young to preserve your hearing.
Eat the right food
Make it a point to include 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 promote healthy blood circulation. Try walking, swimming, or cycling.
Regular light exercise improves your cardiovascular health, which lowers the risk of high blood pressure and a link to hearing issues.
Quit smoking
Smoking contains toxic chemicals like arsenic, ammonia, and formaldehyde which damage the inner workings of your ears and can lead to hearing loss over time.
In addition, it is linked to the development of tinnitus.
Limit alcohol
Having too many cocktails in a short period of time can affect your hearing health. It can cause a temporary loss of hearing background noises known as cocktail deafness. It can also result in temporary tinnitus.
There is a possibility of these two phenomena becoming permanent. If hearing loss or tinnitus occurs, you should contact see a hearing specialist for an evaluation.
Take supplements that positively impact hearing health
The following supplements are not only great for your overall health, but there are studies that connect them to supporting hearing health.
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Zinc
- Magnesium and Potassium
- Vitamins A, C, and E
- B Vitamins
Talk with your primary care physician to ensure they are okay for you.
Schedule regular hearing tests
Regular hearing tests are the best way to identify any hearing issues or changes to your hearing at an early stage.
Find a hearing specialist
If you are already experiencing some hearing loss, concentrate on these lifestyle choices, and schedule an appointment with an experienced hearing specialist.
Find a hearing specialist in your area to schedule an appointment today.
