Do you struggle to hear the television? Are you frequently asking others to repeat themselves? If so, you're not alone: Approximately 40 million Americans have some form of hearing problem.1 Our sense of hearing is complex and delicate, and it plays an essential role in our physical and mental well-being.
While the field of audiology has made impressive advances in hearing aid technology and recognizing signs of hearing loss, there are also easy hearing care steps you can take on your own that may help promote healthy hearing.
Read on to learn about the different types of hearing loss, and how you can keep your ears protected, with 10 tips to help identify risks and prevent hearing loss — or stop it from getting worse.
Types of Hearing Loss
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), there are three types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural and mixed.2
- Conductive hearing loss occurs when sounds cannot get through the outer and middle ear.
- Sensorineural hearing loss occurs with inner ear damage or problems with the nerves leading from the inner ear to the brain.
- Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.
12 Tips Improve Hearing and Prevent Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent hearing loss.
Check out these twelve tips to protect your ears and keep your hearing sharp.
1. Avoid loud noises
Turn the volume down on your devices and use earplugs when you have to be in a loud environment. Excessive noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss,1 but the good news is that it's also the most preventable, too.
2. Keep your ears dry
Excess moisture can lead to ear infections and wax buildup, which can cause hearing problems. Gently dry your ears with a towel after swimming or bathing to prevent excess water from entering the ear canal.
3. Don't Smoke
If smokers need yet another health-related reason to quit, here it is: research indicates that smoking can more than double your risk of hearing loss. That's because blood flow and oxygen are crucial to maintaining healthy cells in your inner ear, and both are hampered by nicotine and carbon monoxide. Smoking also irritates the lining of your middle ear and disturbs the normal function of your eustachian tube.
Nicotine has been shown to cause ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus. Some experts believe it may interfere with the neurotransmitters that carry messages from your hearing nerves to your brain.3
4. Be cautious with medications
Some prescription medications can have side effects related to hearing loss, so be sure to discuss any possible effects with your doctor prior to starting a new medication or supplement.
5. Be aware of excessive ear wax buildup
Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a natural defense mechanism that protects the inside of your ear from foreign particles, bacteria and infection. Ear wax is secreted by glands located in your outer ear, and the wax can vary in color and consistency from person to person.
Excessive ear wax buildup can affect your hearing and make sounds seem muffled. Don't try to remove it yourself - doing so could damage the delicate lining of the ear canal. Instead, see your doctor for treatment options. Ear wax is secreted by glands located in your outer ear, and the wax can vary in color and consistency from person to person.
While a small amount of ear wax is beneficial, a buildup of excess ear wax can cause mild hearing loss and discomfort. If you think you have an ear wax blockage, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Never attempt to dig it out yourself, since you risk pushing the wax farther into your ear and damaging the delicate lining of your ear canal or eardrum.4
6. Avoid cotton swabs and other small objects
Never place any objects inside your ear canal, including cotton swabs. Doing so risks damage to your eardrum, which can cause pain and hearing loss.
7. Take supplements and vitamins for better hearing health
A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, regular exercise, and reducing your stress levels are all important for your overall health, and they can all impact your hearing, too.
Several vitamins and minerals have been linked to an improvement in ear function and hearing:
- B vitamins offer a host of potential benefits for your ears, including regulation of fluid levels and optimization of oxygen use. Folic acid (B9) promotes circulation to your ears, as well as energy production in the cells responsible for hearing.
- Magnesium aids healthy nerve function in the auditory system and helps prevent damage to the inner lining of your arteries.
- Zinc protects the hair cells within your ear, which are responsible for emitting the vibrations that send electrical signals to your brain. Zinc also supports your body's immune system, helping prevent ear infections.
8. Protect your ears
Keep your ears covered during extremely cold weather using a hat or earmuffs. And don't forget to use ear protection, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, any time you're in an area with a lot of noise.
9. See your doctor regularly
Regular check-ups with your doctor are an important aspect of maintaining your overall health and can catch potential problems early. Other health conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, can also put you at risk for hearing loss.5
10. Get regular hearing screenings
Routine hearing tests can detect early signs of hearing loss and improve your chances of returning to normal hearing. A routine hearing test also provides your doctor with a baseline to which your hearing can be compared as you age, allowing changes to be detected more quickly.
11. Go for a walk in the woods.
Another option is a walk on the beach or in a similar setting with little man-made noise. Focus on your surroundings and write down everything you hear, from birds chirping to the wind blowing. Repeat this exercise several days in a row to gradually become more attuned to the ambient noise.
12. Have a friend or family remember read aloud to you.
After each sentence, try to repeat back exactly what was said. Once you're able to consistently repeat the sentences word-for-word, try the exercise again with the T.V. on in the background or in a noisy restaurant.
Effects of Hearing Loss
Untreated hearing loss can have surprising impacts on your overall health. Not only can hearing loss cause people to socially isolate themselves—leading to complications like loneliness and depression—but it can also lead to physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, chronic tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.6
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have hearing loss, it is important to see a doctor for a hearing test to evaluate the problem before it worsens or leads to other complications.
Paying for Ear Care and Hearing Aids
Did you know that Care Credit can help pay for your hearing care, including regular hearing tests and screenings?* Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a nearby audiologist that accepts the CareCredit credit card.