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Estimations show that up to 24% of adults in the US alone may show signs of hearing loss. This isn’t something to overlook: untreated hearing loss can affect cognitive function in the long term and even increase the risk of developing dementia. So, when looking after the health of your family – including your children, partner, or aging parents – be sure to also focus on hearing health. In this quick-start guide, we’ll look at the approaches that may support better hearing and overall wellness in the long term. Let’s dive in.
Schedule Regular Check-Ups
One of the key steps in supporting long-term health is regular check-ups. And this is no different when we are talking about hearing health! It is often too easy to overlook the importance of regular appointments with your audiologist, but this is essential to better understand your hearing loss risk and address the early signs of hearing issues before they develop into more serious health problems.
Invest In Quality Hearing Aids
Next up, be sure to invest in quality hearing aids as soon as your doctor suggests you wear them. This is essential to prevent your hearing from degenerating further and protect your overall health. If you are hesitant to buy them because of how they may look or feel, take time to discover modern options, such as AI-powered or Phonak hearing aids. These are sleek, comfortable models that adjust to your unique needs to make hearing and communication easier and more natural. Plus, they are almost unnoticeable!
Learn How To Protect Your Hearing
Especially if you work in loud environments or you enjoy hobbies that involve loud noises – such as shooting or attending concerts – be sure to protect your hearing. Some golden rules that everyone should follow include:
- Limit Exposure to Loud Noises: Use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones in noisy environments.
- Keep Headphone Volume Low: Follow the 60/60 rule (listen at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time).
- Take Listening Breaks: Give your ears regular breaks from noise. This is essential to help them recover and reduce strain.
- Maintain Ear Hygiene: Clean ears safely and avoid inserting objects that could damage the ear canal.
- Be Cautious with Medications: Understand how some medications may impact your hearing.
- Protect Ears During Activities: Wear ear protection during concerts, sports events, or when using power tools.
Understand Early Signs Of Hearing Loss
Even with all of these best practices in place, hearing loss may sometimes occur. This is especially likely as we age and the hair cells necessary for hearing begin to decline. Some early warning signs include:
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments
- Turning up the TV or radio louder than others prefer
- Trouble hearing on the phone
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Struggling to keep up in group conversations
- Over time, social withdrawal
Being able to identify the early signs of hearing loss and consulting a professional can make all the difference in protecting your hearing and overall health.
