8 Tips for Preventing Hearing Loss
One of the most prevalent chronic health conditions in the US is hearing loss. It impairs your capacity to hear sounds around you and understand conversation. People who work in noisy places like factories, construction sites, and road crews may gradually lose their hearing as a result of prolonged exposure to noise without the right safeguards.
However, people who frequently attend outdoor music festivals or visit nightclubs might also be impacted by loud music and headphone use. The secret to preventing hearing loss is understanding what is “loud” and controlling your exposure. The amount of time you can listen without damaging your hearing decreases as the volume increases.
Reduce Hearing Loss
Although you can eventually get used to loud noise, your brain and ears cannot. It’s possible to progressively lose your hearing and not realize it until the damage is irreparable. Here’s some hearing advice from Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus in Seattle and Olympia that will assist you to safeguard your hearing.
- Use earplugs
- Reduce the volume
- Adhere to the “60:60 Rule”
- Protect Your Ears During Live Events
- Wear ear protection when working
- Avoid putting anything in your ears
- Turn the sound down in the car
- Keep moving
1. Use Earplugs
Foam earplugs or earmuffs that have been specifically designed to muffle noise are affordable and simple to use. Help prevent hearing loss by wearing them if your workplace is constantly noisy throughout the day. Also, take regular breaks away from the noise to give your hearing some relief.
2. Lower the Volume
If you have to shout to be heard, then the volume of the television, radio, or streaming device needs turning down. Your headphones are probably too loud if the person sitting next to you can hear it.
3. Follow the 60:60 Rule
Enjoy 60 minutes a day of listening to music at no more than 60% of the maximum volume. Many Bluetooth-enabled streaming gadgets offer a smart volume feature that allows you to control the volume.
4. Wear Ear Protection When Attending Live Events
Earplugs and muffs can reduce between 15 and 35 dB. If you forget them or leave home without any, many events sell them on-site. Be sure to stay away from the speakers, as well as the area where the fireworks are launched, as the loud noise can quickly cause damage.
5. Use Ear Protection at Work
A noisy working environment can possibly have a detrimental effect on your general health and your damage hearing. Speak to a member of the personnel department about lessening the noise. Request hearing protection if necessary.
6. Avoid Inserting Anything in Your Ears
“Never put anything smaller than your elbow into your ear,” is the standard rule of thumb. This applies to anything you may use to scratch or clean your ears, such as cotton swabs, paperclips, bobby pins, keys, or other small objects.
7. Turn the Sound Down in the Car
The likelihood of damaging the hair cells in your ears increases if you are listening to loud music in a small space. Reduce the volume once the windows are closed. When you drive with the windows down, you may enjoy the sensation of the wind in your hair, but the noise it makes can damage your hearing. It is preferable to keep the window up when traveling high speed.
8. Keep Moving
Exercise maintains the blood flowing to your ears and throughout your entire body. The inner parts of the ears can remain healthy when the oxygen levels are high due to good circulation.
We’re Your Hearing Loss Prevention Experts
You need to schedule a hearing test if you experience ear pain or a sudden change in your hearing. Our audiologists at North West Hearing in Seattle and Olympia are qualified to diagnose and treat hearing loss. Whether you need a hearing test, are thinking about getting cochlear implants, or want a new hearing aid, contact us at North West Hearing in Seattle and Pacific WA, to schedule an appointment today!