Hearing is one of our most important senses. It plays a key role in connecting with the world around us. It allows us to communicate, enjoy music, and stay alert to our surroundings. That is why it’s crucial to protect and care for our ears. Unfortunately, damaged hearing is often irreversible, so prevention remains vital. About 15% of the United States population has experienced hearing loss either due to extended exposure to loud noises or from occupational and recreational activities.
With this prevalence of hearing loss, we must take the right steps to safeguard our hearing. In this article, I will offer four practical ways in which you can prevent hearing damage and maintain ear health so we never have to worry about a world without the litany of wonderful noise.
Headphone Volume
We all know someone, perhaps yourself, who walks around with headphones in their ears constantly. And while I, too, am a fan of listening to podcasts and music throughout the day, the volume of the audio is the real concern.
According to the World Health Organization, 1.1 billion teens and young adults worldwide are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss from blasting music through headphones and earphones. The reason these are so dangerous is because they sit directly next to the eardrum. It is recommended to keep the volume around 60 percent for no more than 60 minutes. And don’t forget that loud music presents a risk of hearing loss.
Cotton Swabs
Most people grew up cleaning their ears with cotton swabs in their after-shower routine. But did you know that ear wax is good for you? The ears are self-cleaning organs, and your ear wax stops things, such as dust, from entering your ear canal. Plus, inserting anything inside your ear canals risks damaging sensitive organs like your eardrum.
However, if you feel your ears need a clean because of excess wax buildup, there are a few ways to solve the problem. First and foremost, you want to visit a doctor. As mentioned earlier, your ears are a sensitive part of your body, so you want a professional to remove the earwax. If your problem isn’t serious, and you merely desire to remove earwax, you can use a soft, clean washcloth with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil, or glycerin to soften the wax.
Utilize Custom Earplugs
When engaging in activities that could eventually lead to ear trauma, like attending concerts or working in noisy environments, it is essential to prioritize protecting your ears. The simplest and most effective way you can do this is by utilizing earplugs.
You may be worried that the earplugs will inhibit your ability to hear completely and make conversations difficult. However, with modern tech, there are more sophisticated solutions. One innovation is custom earplugs. The manufacturer designed them to filter out harmful noise while allowing you to hear conversations clearly and enjoy music, making them an ideal choice for protecting your hearing.
Allow Recovery Time
If you experience loud noise, it is best to give your ears time to recover. According to Action on Hearing Loss, you need at least 16 hours of rest for your ears to recover after spending two hours around 100dB sound. Sounds at this level may include motorbikes, some cinematic films, and nightclubs. Lastly, turn down the television volume. Even a small reduction in the current volume can create a difference in the risk of damage to your ears. If you feel the need to raise your voice to be heard over the television, it might be too loud.
If you notice sudden hearing impairment, notify your doctor immediately. While it may simply be a wax blockage, it may be a sign of something more serious. If you don’t have a doctor or can’t see the doctor of your choice because of your health insurance network, call an agent today! They’ll help you find an affordable health insurance plan that allows you to see your preferred doctor.
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Article was updated on 9/24/2024.