Did you know that 1.5 billion people today suffer from hearing loss? Hearing loss is a common condition, and you may not notice that you have a problem until you are constantly saying ‘repeat,’ ‘pardon,’ or struggling to understand your partner, family, friends, or colleagues. Fortunately, the following remedies can help improve your hearing.
Quit smoking
Smoking doubles the chances of suffering from hearing loss. According to a Japanese study, 60% of the individuals who smoke contract high-frequency hearing loss while 20% develop low-frequency hearing loss. Oxygen and blood flow are responsible for maintaining the inner ear’s healthy cells. However, they are hampered by continued exposure to carbon monoxide and nicotine, leading to hearing loss. Nicotine also interferes with neurotransmitters, which often carry a message from the hearing nerves to the brain. It also causes tinnitus, the ringing of the ears.
Smoking also disturbs the eustachian tube’s normal functions and irritates the middle ear lining, so consider quitting cigarettes to improve your hearing. Remember also to avoid being around people who smoke.
Get earwax cleaning
Earwax, also referred to as cerumen, is produced by glands in the outer ear to protect the sensitive part of your ears from infection, dust, debris, bacteria, and other foreign particles. However, earwax builds up over time, making sounds appear muffled, leading to mild conductive hearing loss. Be sure to schedule an appointment with a medical professional from Helix Hearing Care if you experience sudden hearing loss to determine whether you need earwax cleaning. Do not perform the earwax removal by yourself to avoid pushing it further into the ear, as this could damage the eardrum or ear canal lining.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise does more than help you stay in shape. It also improves your overall health, including your hearing health. Exercising increases blood flow to the ears, which helps maintain the inner ear hair cells’ health. If the ear hair cells are damaged, they cannot regenerate, which could cause hearing loss. You don’t even have to engage in vigorous exercise to improve your hearing health. A jog, a long walk, or handling household tasks such as gardening can enhance blood circulation, improving your hearing. Be sure to avoid loud music via your headphones as you exercise as they increase the chances of damaging the hair cells in your ears.
Be careful with medication
Did you know that some prescription medications have hearing loss as a side effect? You should always review any medication, including your chemotherapy treatment, antibiotics, and antimalarial medicine, before taking them. You could even speak to your physician about possible side effects before taking new supplements and medication. Your doctor can weigh your prescription medication benefits against hearing loss to help you make a favorable decision about continuing or quitting specific treatment.
Eat healthily
Consuming a healthy diet rich in minerals and vitamins is crucial for your overall body health and improves your hearing. The following are nutritional supplements you should include in your diet to improve your hearing:
Folic acid often found in eggs, broccoli, spinach, beans, asparagus, and nuts, delay age related hearing loss. It also reduces free radicals in the body, which could damage the inner ears’ nerve tissue if left to multiply.Magnesium found in broccoli, potatoes, bananas, and artichokes protects against hearing loss caused by noise.Zinc in oysters, dark chocolate, cashews, lean beef, and spinach improves immunity and enhances the inner ear’s ability to resist age-related hearing loss.Vitamin D and Omega-3-fatty acids in fish like trout, tuna, sardines, or salmon. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition research, taking at least two servings of fish every week lowers the chances of hearing loss among adults 50 years and above by 42%. This is because omega-3 fatty acids strengthen the blood vessels in the sensory system of your ears.Vitamin B12, C, and E found in fruits and vegetables improve the body’s immune system and reduce free radicals.
Schedule regular hearing screening
Even when you do not experience any signs of hearing loss, ensure that you schedule regular tests. This can help your healthcare provider detect issues with your hearing, improving the chances of correcting the problem and getting your hearing back to normal. Regular screening also gives your physician base from which they can compare your hearing over time, increasing the chances of detecting changes promptly as you age.
Endnote
Hearing loss can negatively impact your relationship with the people around you. Implement the above strategies to protect your ears and improve your hearing.
