One of the most common causes of hearing loss is aging. While you may not be able to slow down the march of time, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of hearing loss and protect yourself.
Within your inner ear are tiny hair cells responsible for converting soundwaves into electrical impulses. These delicate cells require a good flow of blood in order to function properly. Below are five lifestyle tips that can help you stay healthy and prevent hearing loss.
Manage Your Heart Health
Heart disease and high blood pressure can cause weak blood flow, which can damage the hair cells within the inner ear. If you have high cholesterol or issues with your blood pressure, make sure to follow your doctor’s orders to keep it under control.
Stop Smoking
Smoking cigarettes has been linked to numerous health issues, one of which is hearing loss. One study found that smokers were 60 percent more likely to develop high-frequency hearing loss compared to those who don’t smoke. Second-hand smoke can be just as damaging to others, as one study found that those living with a smoker were twice as likely to develop hearing loss.
Vaping, once marketed as the safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, is also harmful. While there is less data, experts agree that the numerous chemicals in the “vape juice” are dangerous to your health.
Control Your Diabetes
Those with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss than those without an issue controlling their blood sugar. This is because diabetes can damage the cells within your inner ear.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to keep it under control by following your doctor’s management orders.
Start Exercising
Exercising can help improve your blood flow, reduce stress and keep your body healthy. Just be careful of damaging your ears while trying to protect them by listening to loud pump-up music or straining yourself lifting weights in the gym.
Eat Right
Getting the right vitamins and minerals, including B12, potassium and magnesium, is imperative for good hearing. In addition, anemia caused by an iron deficiency has been linked to hearing loss.
Know Your Family History
One major contributor to your hearing loss is genetics. If you have family members with hearing loss, you may be at an elevated risk of developing it as well. Understanding your family’s history of diseases and disorders can ensure you seek treatment early.
Protecting yourself from developing hearing loss can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline, depression and social isolation. To learn more about protecting your hearing, contact the experts at Houston Hearing Center today.