Did you know that October is Audiology Awareness Month? The campaign was created in 2008 by the American Academy of Audiology with the goal of heightening the importance of hearing health and advocating ways to protect your hearing.
In honor of that, we’d like to take some time to discuss a few of the ways you can protect your hearing each and every day.
Protect Your Ears from Loud Noise
Exposure to loud noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly “12.5% of children and adolescents aged 6–19 years and 17% of adults aged 20–69 years have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive exposure to noise.”
It can happen from a single exposure to an extremely loud noise or blast or from listening to loud sounds over an extended period of time. Any prolonged exposure noise that is 85 decibels (dB) or higher can damage your inner ear and lead to noise-induced hearing loss.
In order to minimize your risk, make sure to avoid loud noise exposure whenever possible. When you are in a loud environment, use hearing protection devices like earplugs or earmuffs. Also, make sure to keep the volume on your headphones no louder than 60% of the maximum volume when using them.
Exercise and Eat Healthy
It seems like every day, there’s a new study to indicate just how important a healthy diet and regular exercise are for your overall health and well-being. It turns out they are good for your hearing health as well.
Loading your plate with fruits and vegetables and going for regular walks at Lubber Run Trail can help improve circulation in your entire body, including to your inner ears. This blood flow helps keep the hair cells of the inner ear healthy, which is important because damage to these cells can often lead to permanent hearing loss.
Additionally, a healthy diet and exercise lower your chances of developing heart disease and diabetes, both of which have been linked to an increased risk of hearing loss.
Wear Your Hearing Aids
If you already have hearing loss, wearing your hearing aids every day is the best way to lessen the impact that the condition can have on your life. Compared to people who leave their hearing loss untreated, people who use hearing aids experience:
- Better mental health
- An improved balance and a lower risk of injury from falls
- Reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia
To learn more about how to care for your hearing this month and beyond, contact the experts at ENT Specialists Of Northern Virginia today.