As we enter a new year, you may be thinking about committing to a new habit in order to improve your health in some way. It might be more cardio to strengthen your heart or more sleep to improve your mood, but it is not often that the same level of consideration is given to ways that you can look after your ears.
To boost your hearing health throughout 2022 and beyond, take a look at our tips below.
Tip 1 – Try to minimise stress
Most of you will be acutely aware of the impact that stress can have on your ability to get a good night’s sleep or fight germs efficiently, but did you know that stress can have a negative effect on your hearing too?
When the body is stressed, the overproduction of adrenaline reduces blood flow to the ears, potentially disrupting your ability to hear properly.
Many studies have also found a link between stress and tinnitus. While stress cannot be avoided altogether, it’s important to find healthy mechanisms that help you manage it as best as possible.
Tip 2 – Prioritise exercise
Regular exercise that gets the heart pumping, such as running, cycling, or power walking, is another great way to help keep your ears healthy and happy.
Not only does exercise benefit your ears directly by increasing blood flow around the body, but it can also help to prevent or manage diabetes – a condition that can damage your hearing in the long term.
Tip 3 – Eat the right vitamins for healthy ears
A healthy diet is essential for healthy living and healthy ears. Bananas, almonds, cashews nuts, spinach, broccoli, asparagus and oranges are all great for your hearing.
Tip 4 – Reduce harmful noise levels
Loud noise is one of the biggest causes of hearing loss, but many individuals do not notice the effects until long after exposure.
To avoid noise-induced hearing loss, try to keep your headphone volume at a reasonable level (around 60% for a maximum of 60 minutes a day), and always stand away from the speaker at concerts and festivals. We also recommend you give yourself regular, quieter breaks if you are in noisy environments or wearing headphones for extended periods of time.
Tip 5 – Be mindful when swimming
Swimmer’s ear is the common name for ‘Otitis Externa’ – an infection of the ear canal. Whilst swimming is not the only cause of Otitis Externa, water can carry certain bacteria that leads to an increased risk of infection.
Common symptoms include pain in the ear or reduced hearing sensitivity, but left untreated the infection can also cause a fever and swelling.
If you are an avid swimmer, it is important to make sure your ears are kept as dry as possible. Consider using a swim hat or earplugs when you take to the water and use a towel to gently dry your ears afterwards. Why not speak to one of our audiologists about getting custom ear plugs made, call us on 0800 52 00 546.
Tip 6 – Book a hearing test
One of the best ways to care for your ears, and subsequently your hearing, is to book an appointment with a qualified audiologist (especially if you’ve recently experienced any changes in hearing or discomfort).
Get your hearing test today
Request an appointment now, over the phone on 0800 52 00 546, online, or at your local THCP practice. We’ll be able to offer you the best ear care advice, a wide range of hearing aids and a full hearing care package, so your hearing will be one less thing to worry about for 2022!