It’s not uncommon for us to take the senses we have for granted, such as the ability to see, feel, smell, and hear. Just like the saying goes, “you don’t know what you had until it’s gone.” Having the ability to hear and interpret the sounds around us is a blessing, especially since there are those who have impaired hearing and do not have this ability. With that in mind, it is essential that you take every opportunity to care for and protect your ears if you want to continue hearing the sounds around you.
Looking for ways to protect and improve your hearing? Take better care of your ears by checking out these healthy hearing tips that you can implement into your daily life.
- Stay Healthy
With the temperatures becoming cooler outside, it brings with it the onset of the cold and flu season. During this time there is typically an increase in sickness, which translates into a higher risk of coming down with the cold, flu, and ear infections. Nobody enjoys being sick, so to help fend off illness make sure you try to stay warm, practice good hygiene, and you are eating a healthy, nutritious diet.
- Go Exercise
Physical exercise is good for your body, mind, and ears as it helps keep your blood flowing. Increased blood flow helps lower inflammation by improving circulation, which helps maintain healthy nerve function. Exercise is good for the brain, and your brain plays a vital role in your ability to hear. Besides getting physical exercise, exercising your ears and brain is also important. There are smartphone apps available that can help you do just that. So take the time out daily to exercise your body, brain, and ears.
- Limit Excessive Noise
Hearing loss from excessive noise is highly common, which is why doctors always sound like a broken record when they say to limit your exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss that occurs from excessive noise exposure is preventable as long as you stay vigilant. If you know you are going to be exposed to loud sounds for a prolonged period of time, make sure you have a good pair of earplugs or earmuffs on hand. If you are listening to music through headphones, make sure you follow the 60/60 rule. Meaning you only play your music for 60 minutes at a time, at 60% volume.
- Keep Warm
The temperatures outside starting to turn cool and they are only going to get lower. So make sure you have something to cover your ears when you are outside on cold, chilly days. It can be anything, a hat, scarf, or a pair of earmuffs, just make sure you have something to cover your ears when it’s cold out. The reason for this is not comfort related, even though having cold ears is uncomfortable, but instead, it’s to protect your ears from overexposure to the cold, wind, and moisture. So keep your ears bundled up when it’s cold outside!