We often hear that certain 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 significantly affected by the lifestyle choices you make? Read on to discover more about how your lifestyle choices can impact the health of your hearing.
Control what you can for your hearing health
Your genetic inheritance has a lot to do with whether you experience hearing loss. If your parents and grandparents had hearing difficulties, there is not a lot you can do to alter that. By making informed choices about your daily habits, however, you can slow down the development of the condition.
If you have no hearing issues in your family, no matter your age, start making some changes that will favorably impact your hearing health like those below.
Keep your ears safe
If you work in a noisy environment or like to go to loud concerts, invest in some protection. Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
Exposure to loud sounds results in noise-induced hearing loss.
Motivate your children and teens to utilize them too. It’s never too soon to take measures to protect your hearing.
Choose a healthy diet
Integrate these essential 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 prevent irregular bone growth.
Remain physically engaged.
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good cardiovascular health. Consider adding activities like brisk walking, swimming laps, or riding a bike into your routine.
Doing consistent low-impact physical activity improves the health of your heart and blood vessels, reducing the likelihood of hypertension and its potential link to hearing issues.
Given up smoking
Smoking contains poisonous chemicals, including arsenic, ammonia, and formaldehyde, which weaken the inner workings of your ears and can result in hearing loss over time.
Additionally, it is linked to the progression of tinnitus.
Limit alcohol
Consuming a significant amount of alcohol within a brief timeframe can impact your auditory well-being. It can trigger a temporary loss of the ability to hear background noises known as cocktail deafness. It can also produce temporary tinnitus.
There is a possibility of these two situations becoming irreversible. If you experience hearing loss or ringing in the ears, it is a good idea to reach out to a hearing professional for an evaluation.
Use supplements that positively affect hearing health
These supplements are beneficial for your overall well-being and have been linked to promoting good hearing health in various studies.
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Zinc
- Magnesium and Potassium
- Vitamins A, C, and E
- B Vitamins
Consult with your primary care doctor to verify their suitability for your needs.
Stay on top of your hearing health with routine check-ups
Regular hearing exams are the best way to pinpoint any hearing issues or changes to your hearing at an early stage.
Schedule your hearing test now
If you are already experiencing some hearing loss, focus on these lifestyle choices, and make an appointment with an experienced hearing specialist today.
