You take more than an hour performing your nightly skin care routine and spend thousands of bucks for your eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other eye accessories. But how about your ears? Have you ever stopped and wondered if you’re taking good care of your ear and your hearing health?
The ears are one of the most ignored parts of the body. People rarely or wrongly clean it, hang out in places with deafening music, and put their earphones to full volume while listening to music. Not a lot of people realize that once their hearing is damaged due to these wrong practices and the lack of proper ear care, it will be gone for good.
Don’t take your ears for granted. Don’t wait for the time that you have to live in a world of total silence. Here’s how you can take good care of your ears and your hearing health.
1. Turn your music down
Everybody, especially young people, loves to listen to music through headphones and earbuds connected to their mobile devices. Yes, it’s a great way to relax and kill time, but did you know that the habit of listening to music at a high volume could lead to hearing loss? According to a 2015 report by the World Health Organization, improper use of audio devices puts approximately 1.1 billion young people at risk of hearing loss. To protect your hearing while using these devices, follow the 60/60 rule. This means you must not go beyond 60% music volume and 60 minutes of listening time a day. Experts also suggest that over-the-ear headphones are safer than earbuds because the latter are positioned directly next to the eardrum.
2. Use ear protection
Environments with loud noises such as concert venues and clubs can damage your hearing. Machines such as lawnmowers and chainsaws also produce very loud noises that can be dangerous to your ear health. When you’re in places with high levels of noise, it’s best to wear earplugs. These plugs are made from foam or rubber and are easily available. They can even be customized to fit your ears comfortably.
3. Don’t touch it
Believe it or not, the ear has its way of cleaning itself. This means there is no need to clean them. Traditional measures such as cleaning with a cotton swab and ear candles can be harmful rather helpful. These practices can damage the ear drum and affect your hearing eventually. Got to a healthcare professional if you think there’s too much wax buildup in your ears.
4. Consult a professional
Denver hearing specialists suggest including hearing screening on your regular health checkup. Know that hearing loss is a gradual process, so it’s best to have your hearing health tested regularly. It also helps to find a hearing healthcare provider near you. An expert can detect early signs of hearing loss or any related problem and provide the necessary treatment.
Lastly, take immediate action when you or the people around you notice change on your hearing. Hearing loss is a serious condition that can affect your quality of life. In some cases, it can be a symptom of other worse illnesses such as dementia, depression, and heart disease. Take care of your ears. Start today by consulting a hearing specialist near you.
