Hearing is a precious sense that allows us to connect with the world around us. It enables us to communicate, appreciate music, and enjoy the sounds of nature. However, many of us take our hearing for granted, neglecting to care for it properly. In this blog, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of hearing care, providing you with valuable insights to maintain healthy hearing for years to come.
Contents
The Dos
1. Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises
Exposure to loud noises can cause damage to your hearing. When in noisy environments such as concerts, sporting events, or construction sites, wear earplugs or earmuffs to reduce the intensity of sound reaching your ears. Additionally, when listening to music with headphones or earbuds, keep the volume at a moderate level to prevent potential damage.
2. Take Breaks from Continuous Noise
If you work or spend a significant amount of time in a noisy environment, make it a point to take regular breaks in quieter areas. This will give your ears a chance to rest and recover from prolonged exposure to noise.
3. Clean Your Ears Gently
Maintaining proper hygiene is essential, but when it comes to cleaning your ears, be cautious. Use a damp cloth to clean the outer part of your ears, but avoid inserting cotton swabs or any other objects into your ear canal. The ear canal is self-cleaning, and inserting objects can push earwax deeper and can cause blockages or injury. At Hearing Sense we provide a safe ear wax removal service in Adelaide.
4. Get Regular Hearing Check-ups
Just like regular visits to the dentist or optometrist, it’s important to have your hearing checked regularly by a hearing professional. We can detect any early signs of hearing loss or other hearing-related issues, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
The Don’ts
1. Avoid Excessive Use of Headphones
While headphones and earbuds are convenient for personal audio entertainment, excessive and prolonged use can lead to hearing damage. Limit your listening time and keep the volume at a safe level. Consider using over-ear headphones instead of in-ear earbuds as they provide better sound isolation and reduce the need for higher volumes.
2. Do Not Ignore Ear Infections or Pain
If you experience persistent pain, discomfort, or notice any discharge from your ears, do not ignore these symptoms. They may indicate an ear infection or other underlying conditions that require medical attention. Prompt treatment can help prevent further complications and potential hearing loss.
3. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been linked to hearing loss. Both tobacco and alcohol can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing impairment over time. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake can help protect your hearing health.
4. Do Not Delay Seeking Help for Hearing Loss
If you notice any signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding conversations, frequently asking for repetition, or struggling with phone conversations, do not delay seeking help. Early intervention can prevent further deterioration and improve your quality of life through appropriate hearing aids or assistive devices.
By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you can do your part in keeping your ears healthy and happy, and enjoy the best hearing you can!
