March 3rd is World Hearing Day! Launched by the World Health Organization (WHO), this international campaign is all about hearing health. Hearing loss remains one of the most common health issues that people navigate today. Practicing safety measures can help protect your hearing and reduce your risk of developing hearing loss. You can celebrate World Hearing Day and prioritize your hearing health this March by integrating the following tips: 

• Wear hearing protection: one time or consistent exposure to loud noise is a common cause of hearing loss. Over 50 million people are regularly exposed to hazardous noise levels, this includes 22% of people in the workplace. Noise induced hearing loss is totally preventable and wearing hearing protection is an effective way to protect your hearing. This includes headphones, earplugs, earbuds, earmuffs etc. which provides a physical barrier, reducing the amount of loud noise you absorb. 

• Use noise canceling headphones: headphones and earbuds are a common way we listen to audio – podcasts, music, talking on the phone. But this can also be a source of loud noise exposure. These devices are their highest volume settings and can be dangerous for hearing health. If you use headphones or earbuds often, you may want to consider investing in noise canceling headphones. Noise canceling technology is designed to reduce background noise, preventing you from needing to increase the volume when moving through noisier environments. This allows people to listen to audio safely. 

• Maximize use of hearing aids. If you wear hearing aids, it is important to wear them during all waking hours. There are also several technologies and features you can invest in to really get the most from your hearing aids. This includes voice recognition, digital noise reduction, wireless connectivity, and tinnitus management. These features deliver enhanced sound quality and create optimal hearing experiences in everyday environments. Be sure to discuss these options with your hearing healthcare provider. 

• Boost intake of nutrients. There are specific nutrients that support healthy hearing like magnesium, potassium, and folate. These nutrients support the health of cells, auditory pathways, and blood flow which are all integral to the process of how soundwaves are absorbed and processed. You can boost your intake of these nutrients by eating more fruits, vegetables, and plant based foods. 

• Increase physical activity. Exercise offers numerous benefits including supporting healthy hearing. Exercise boosts blood flow throughout the body including the ears where sound waves are processed. There are simple ways you can increase physical activity in your everyday life including: taking a daily walk, stretching, and finding an activity you enjoy – water aerobics, golfing, yoga, biking etc. 

• Eliminate triggers. Studies show that there are behavior factors that can increase the risk of hearing loss. This includes smoking and drinking which contain ingredients – nicotine and alcohol – that can impact blood vessels and blood flow in places like the ears. This can impact how sound is absorbed and processed, contributing to hearing loss. You can reduce your risk by eliminating your intake or reducing your intake as much as possible. 

• Reduce loud noise exposure. In addition to wearing hearing protection and using noise canceling headphones, there are more ways you can reduce your exposure to loud noise. This includes: maintaining low volume settings, taking listening breaks throughout the day, taking alternate routes to avoid construction sites and traffic, avoiding noisy places like restaurants during peak hours, opting for quieter settings etc. 

• Prioritize care for health conditions. A number of medical conditions can increase the risk of developing hearing loss. This includes heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and hypertension. If you have any of these conditions, it is important to prioritize care for them by taking any medications prescribed by your doctor and following the regimens they’ve outlined for you. 

• Get hearing tested regularly. Getting your hearing tested annually allows you to track your hearing health. This enables you to identify any changes you may experience over time and intervene to treat any symptoms which helps protect your hearing health. 

 

March is a great time to really commit to your hearing health which you can do by practicing these safety measures. You can get started by calling us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation!