You’ve most likely already recognized that your hearing is waning. Usually, we don’t even recognize that our decisions are negatively affecting our hearing.
Many types of hearing impairment are preventable with several simple lifestyle changes. Let’s look at six unexpected secrets that will help you maintain your hearing.
1. Regulate Your Blood Pressure
It’s not okay if your blood pressure remains high. A study found that people who have higher than-average blood pressure are 52% more likely to develop hearing loss, not to mention other health problems.
Avoid injury to your hearing by taking steps to lower your blood pressure. Don’t neglect high blood pressure or wait to consult a doctor. Blood pressure management includes proper diet, exercise, stress management, and following your doctor’s advice.
2. Stop Smoking
There are plenty of good reasons to quit smoking, here’s yet another: Smokers are 15% more likely to develop hearing loss. What’s even more surprising is that there’s a 28% higher probability of someone developing hearing issues if they are frequently exposed to second-hand smoke. Even if you leave the room, smoke lingers for long periods of time with detrimental repercussions.
If you smoke, protect your hearing and think about quitting. If you hang out with a smoker, take measures to minimize your exposure to second-hand smoke.
3. Keep Your Diabetes in Check
Diabetes or pre-diabetes affects one out of four adults. Unless they make some significant lifestyle changes, somebody who is pre-diabetic will probably develop diabetes within 5 years.
High blood sugar harms blood vessels, which makes it very hard for them to efficiently transport nutrients. Compared to someone who doesn’t have diabetes, a diabetic person has more than twice the chance of developing hearing loss.
If you suffer from diabetes, safeguard your hearing by taking the appropriate steps to control it. If you are at risk of getting type 2 diabetes, safeguard your hearing by making lifestyle changes to prevent it.
4. Lose Some Weight
This isn’t about body image or feeling great about yourself. It’s about your health. As your Body Mass Index (BMI) rises, so does your possibility of hearing loss and other health disorders. The chance of developing hearing loss rises by 17% for a mildly obese woman with a BMI of 30 to 34. For somebody with a BMI of 40 (moderate obesity), the risk rises to 25%.
Work to eliminate some of that extra weight. Something as simple as walking for 30 minutes every day can reduce your chance of hearing loss and prolong your life.
5. Don’t Overuse OTC Drugs
Some over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can cause hearing loss. The risk rises when these medications are taken on a regular basis over lengthy periods of time.
Typical over-the-counter medications that impact hearing include aspirin, NSAIDs (such as naproxen, ibuprofen), and acetaminophen. Take these medications moderately and seek advice from your doctor if you’re taking them on a regular basis.
Studies reveal that you’ll most likely be okay if you’re using these medications periodically in the suggested doses. The danger of hearing loss goes up to 40% for men, however, when these medications are used on a daily basis.
Always follow your doctor’s recommendations. Your doctor might be able to recommend some lifestyle changes that will decrease your dependence on these medicines if you are using them every day.
6. Eat More Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with iron as well as essential nutrients like vitamins C and K. Iron is essential to blood circulation and a healthy heart. Iron helps your blood transport nutrients and oxygen to cells to keep them healthy and nourished.
If you’re a vegetarian or eat very little meat, it’s critical that you consume enough plant-based iron. The iron found in plants is not as bioavailable as the iron in meat so people in this group are more likely to be deficient in iron.
Pennsylvania State University researchers examined over 300,000 individuals. People who suffer from anemia (extreme iron deficiency) are twice as likely, according to this research, to experience sensorineural hearing loss than individuals who have typical iron concentrations. Sensorineural hearing loss is the scientific term for irreversible hearing loss associated with the aging process.
Sound is received and sent to the brain by delicate little hairs in the inner ear which vibrate with the volume and frequency of that sound. If an iron deficiency or poor circulation causes these little hairs to die they will be gone forever.
You’re never too young to have your hearing examined, so don’t wait until it gets worse. Counter hearing loss by applying these simple secrets in your daily life.