5 Habits That Are Damaging Your Hearing Health

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Right from birth, our bodies are exposed to different kinds of health problems right through our growing days into old age. But there are certain kinds of health problems that we are totally responsible for as a result of our habits and actions. Hearing loss may not be the most talked-about health issue. But with over 48 million Americans affected by different kinds of hearing conditions at some point in their lives, this health issue is more common than we may acknowledge. Unfortunately, most people only realize the negative consequences of their habits either when it is too late, or when their attention is drawn to it. So, in this article, we will take a look at some everyday habits that are causing damage to our hearing.

1. Listening to loud music

Sometimes, we feel like cranking up the volume to appreciate the beats and enjoy the music. But as the bass continues to pound in your inner ears, just remember that it could leave behind some permanent hearing damage. There is a reason why, thankfully, most smart devices warn us when we are turning up the volume too high. However, and quite unfortunately, most people go ahead and ignore the warnings. So, always remember to turn down the volume. And if you are a music lover, then it is best to ensure that you do not soak in your music non-stop if you are using earphones. Also, never turn the volume up beyond 65% of the volume setting on your device. 

2. Not eating a balanced diet

Yup, there is such a thing as ear food. Generally, the kind of food you eat will have implications on your physical wellbeing. Thus, it is very important to ensure that you consume a balanced diet on a daily basis. Fast food may be quick and delicious, but most of them are filled with a lot of trans fat and sodium, all of which do not add anything significantly positive to your health - and hearing health for that matter. Eat foods that are rich in omega-three fatty acids, which help to improve internal circulation, and hence feed the tiny cells located in the inner part of the ears. Also, ensure that you supplement your diet with vitamins such as vitamins D and B12. But only add these supplements if you have such a deficiency. 

3. Living an inactive or sedentary life

Not being active often or not regularly exercising is not only bad for your general health, but it also contributes to poor hearing. Being a couch potato, for example, will increase your likelihood of gaining unhealthy weight as well the many other health problems that come with it - diabetes, poor cardiac health, hypertension, etc. and all these can affect your hearing health. Regular exercise or an active lifestyle boosts blood circulation and, thus, provides the tiny blood vessels located in the inner part of the ears with enough oxygen and blood. This helps in delaying the onset of Sensorineural Hearing Loss. 

4. Smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol

As if you need to be given more reason to quit smoking or cut down on the amount of alcohol you consume. Alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking are mostly likened to the liver and cardiac ailments. But that’s not all; these bad habits can also have a negative impact on our hearing health. Smoking is one of the main causes of arteriosclerosis, a condition that leads to the walls of the arteries becoming thick. This condition can affect the supply of blood to the inner parts of the ears, as the arteries are responsible for that. Drinking too much alcohol can also cause hearing loss. This is because it can contaminate the bloodstream and make it toxic. Thus, the kind of blood supply that will reach the inner parts of the ears will end up killing the tiny hair cells that are responsible for converting sound waves to electrical impulses to the brain. Plus, alcohol can also cause vertigo and tinnitus. 

5. Not getting regular checkups

Unfortunately, most people wait until they feel some discomfort or pain before visiting a doctor. But it is always best to visit an ear or hearing specialist at least twice a year. This could be the difference between ending up with a permanent hearing loss or detecting a potential risk early before it becomes a problem. You may be provided with hearing aids such as the invisible-in-canal or iic hearing aids to help support your hearing. Note, however, that hearing aids do not cure hearing loss.