Preventative Steps To Maintain Your Hearing
As we get older, our bodies go through significant changes, and we get the privilege of experiencing some levels of wear and tear associated with our health and lifestyle. Of course, we tend to focus on the changes that we see the most - wrinkles, grey hairs, etc. But one of the most overlooked areas where early preventative action early can make a huge difference, is our hearing.
Remember all those times your mom told you to turn down the music or you’d lose your hearing? Well unfortunately, she wasn’t totally wrong.
As we age, our ears are subjected to constant onslaughts of noise and sound, which can be damaging. Loud noises exceeding 80dB (decibels - the noise level register) can permanently damage your hearing, so making sure you are protecting your hearing can serve you well throughout your life - starting at a younger age than you think.
Use Hearing Protection
Earplugs made of foam are inexpensive, practical, simple to use, and widely available (check your local drugstore). Use the "Roll, Pull, Hold" method to ensure that they are correctly inserted: To begin, roll the foam earplug between your index and middle fingers to form an oblong shape. To straighten out your ear canal, you should pull the top of your ear back and up with your opposite hand. Insert the rolled-up earplug into the ear canal. To finish, insert the earplug into your ear canal with your finger and hold it in place until it expands back into shape and completely seals the canal. Using hearing protection during concerts as a frequent concertgoer can save you from damage from prolonged excessive noise levels.
Allow Recovery Time
If you're in a noisy environment, such as a sporting event, concert, party, or bar, take a five-minute break and go outside for some fresh air now and then. After the event is over, take some time to rest your ears in a quiet environment to give them a break and allow them to recuperate. According to research, it takes approximately 16 hours of quiet time to recover from a single extremely loud night out.
Turn It Down
To protect your ears when listening to music through headphones or earbuds, you should follow the 60/60 rule. The recommendation is to listen to music with headphones at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes per day, on average.
Earbuds are particularly dangerous because they are designed to fit directly next to the eardrum. Over-the-ear headphones are preferable if at all possible.
You should keep in mind that any loud music, not just music played through headphones, poses a risk of noise-induced hearing loss. You should keep the music volume low enough not to have to shout to have a conversation at a social event.
No Cotton Swabs
Wax in your ears is not only expected but vital. Ears are self-cleaning organs, and wax blocks dust from entering the canal. Using cotton swabs to remove wax out of your ear canal is not advised. And putting something in your ear canals can harm sensitive organs like your eardrum.
To remove excess wax, gently clean the canal with a moist towel. Ear wax removal solution can be used over several nights. This softens the wax and allows it to flow naturally. Whenever possible, seek expert advice and care.
