We frequently hear that specific diets are important for strong bones or better vision, and that exercise and healthy eating are key to preventing disease. Were you aware that your hearing health can also be greatly impacted by the lifestyle choices you make? It’s true! Keep reading to find out how what you do each day can affect your ears and hearing.
Regulate the factors within your control to preserve good hearing.
Genetic makeup plays a large role in whether you will experience hearing issues. There isn’t a lot you can do about it if your parents and grandparents were hard of hearing. You can slow the development with some wise lifestyle decisions.
Regardless of your age, if you don’t have a history of hearing problems in your family, it’s a smart plan to take proactive measures to safeguard your hearing and set yourself up for a lifetime of healthy hearing by applying the following strategies.
Protect your ears
If you work in a loud environment or like to attend loud concerts, purchase some protection. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are a good idea.
Exposure to loud noises leads to noise-induced hearing loss.
Motivate your children and teens to utilize them as well. You can never begin too young to protect 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 little bones in your ears, while at the same time they protect against abnormal bone growth.
Be active
Routine physical activity is crucial for preserving good cardiovascular health. Consider incorporating activities like brisk walking, swimming laps, or riding a bike into your routine.
Doing regular low-impact physical activity improves the health of your heart and blood vessels, decreasing the possibility 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.
In addition, it is linked to the progression of tinnitus.
Limit alcohol
Consuming a significant amount of alcohol within a short timeframe can affect your auditory well-being. It can trigger a short-term loss of the ability to hear background sounds known as cocktail deafness. In addition, it may lead to a temporary ringing in the ears.
It is conceivable that these two phenomena could become irreversible. If you experience hearing loss or ringing in the ears, it is a good idea to talk to a hearing specialist for an assessment .
Consume supplements that have a beneficial effect on your hearing
The following supplements are not only excellent for your overall health, but there are studies that connect them to strengthening hearing health.
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Zinc
- Magnesium and Potassium
- Vitamins A, C, and E
- B Vitamins
Seek advice from your primary care doctor to confirm their suitability for your needs.
Stay on top of your hearing health with routine check-ups
Routine hearing tests are the best way to identify any hearing issues or changes to your hearing at an early stage.
Book a hearing test today
If you are already experiencing some hearing loss, focus on these lifestyle choices, and schedule an appointment with an experienced hearing specialist today.
