The problem with your sense of hearing is that once it is damaged, it never goes back to normal again. Avoid waiting until it is too late by taking steps to protect your ears today. Here is simple and actionable advice which you can start following today.
Use Earplugs Around Loud Noises
First of all, whenever you are exposed to loud noises, you should use earplugs. Nightclubs, concerts, and building sites are just three of the areas where you could cause damage. Thankfully, earplugs are both convenient and easy to obtain. You can even have a pair of custom ones fitted for extra comfort.
Turn the Volume Down
The second piece of advice is simple but effective: turn the volume down. The prevalence of all types of audio devices has meant that more and more people are exposed to loud music. The 60/60 rule suggests that you should only listen to your music at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes a day.
Give Your Ears Recovery Time
If you have been exposed to loud noises for a prolonged period of time, you need to give your ears plenty of time to recover. As a general rule of thumb, you should give your ears 16 hours of quiet time from a single noisy night out.
Get Regular Checkups
As hearing loss occurs gradually, it is important that you get into a routine of having annual checkups. You will be in a much better position to identify the signs of hearing loss and take action against them. If you do need to have a hearing aid fitted, you should be aware of proper hearing aid care. Make an appointment as soon as you can to get peace of mind. You should also look into ear wax removal as this can help too.
Avoid Using Cotton Swabs
Though cotton swabs may be common for cleaning out wax, they are not advisable. A little wax in your ears is both normal and essential as this prevents dust and other harmful particles from entering. Instead, you could try cleaning the area gently with a damp towel.
Keep Your Ears Dry
If your ears are too wet, this can allow bacteria to enter and attack. Dry your ears after you have been bathing or swimming. If you feel any water inside your ears, you should tilt your head to one side, tugging lightly on the ear lobe to let water out. Wearing custom-fitted swimmers’ ear plugs is also a good idea.
Manage Your Stress Levels
Experiencing too much stress is a very negative thing for the body, putting undue strain on your nerves, blood flow, body heat, and more. This can even end up travelling up to your inner ear and contributing to tinnitus.
Exercise
Regular exercise is good for all parts of your body, getting your blood pumping around your system including the ears. This will help to keep them operating at their best level.
There you have just a few simple ways to protect and keep your ears in good working order for as long as possible.
