Call or Text Us! 541-298-5558
The Dalles, OR

Hand holding hearing protection earmuffs that can prevent hearing loss.

You’ve most likely already noticed that your hearing is waning. Normally, we don’t even realize that our choices are negatively impacting our hearing.

Many types of hearing impairment are avoidable with several simple lifestyle changes. What follows are 6 tips that will help you maintain your hearing.

1. Regulate Your Blood Pressure

Persistently high blood pressure is not good. A study revealed that hearing loss was 52% more likely with individuals who have above average blood pressure and they’re more likely to have other health issues also.

Take steps to decrease your blood pressure and prevent hearing damage. Consult a doctor as soon as possible and never ignore your high blood pressure. Management of blood pressure includes correct diet, exercise, stress management, and following your doctor’s advice.

2. Quit Smoking

Here’s another reason to quit: Hearing loss is 15% more likely to affect smokers. Even more alarming: People who are frequently exposed to second-hand smoke are 28% more likely to have hearing problems. Even if you leave the room, smoke remains for long periods of time with unhealthy consequences.

Think about safeguarding your hearing, if you’re a smoker, by quitting. Take actions to reduce your exposure to second-hand smoke if you hang out with a smoker.

3. Regulate Your Diabetes

One out of four adults is either pre-diabetic or diabetic. A pre-diabetic individual is highly likely to get diabetes within 5 years if they don’t make significant lifestyle changes.

Blood vessels that are injured by high blood sugar don’t effectively 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 have diabetes, safeguard your hearing by taking the proper steps to manage it. Protect your hearing by making lifestyle changes if you are at risk of type 2 diabetes.

4. Lose Some Weight

This isn’t about body image or feeling good about yourself. It’s about your health. Hearing loss and other health conditions increase as your Body Mass Index (BMI) rises. A mildly obese woman (with a 30 to 34 BMI) has a 17% higher risk of getting hearing loss. A moderately obese individual has a 25% risk of hearing loss if they have a BMI of 40.

Work to get rid of some of that extra weight. Your life can be prolonged and your hearing can be protected by something as basic as walking for 30 minutes every day.

5. OTC Drugs Shouldn’t be Overused

Hearing impairment can be the result of certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The more frequently these medications are taken over a long period of time, the greater the risk.

Medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are known to lead to hearing loss. Take these drugs moderately and talk to your doctor if you’re taking them on a regular basis.

If you’re using the recommended dose for the periodic headache, studies indicate you’ll probably be okay. The danger of hearing loss increases up to 40% for men, however, when these medications are used on a day-to-day basis.

Your doctor’s advice should always be implemented. But if you’re taking these medications each day to deal with chronic pain or thin your blood, speak with your doctor about lifestyle changes you can make to lessen your dependence on OTC drugs.

6. Eat More Broccoli

Broccoli is full of nutrients and vitamins such as C and K and also has lots of iron. Iron is vital to blood circulation and a healthy heart. Oxygen and nutrients are transported to your cells which helps keep them nourished and healthy and iron is an important part of this process.

For vegetarians or individuals who don’t eat much meat, eating a sufficient amount of plant-based iron is essential. 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 studied more than 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 people who have normal iron concentrations. Sensorineural hearing loss is the scientific name for permanent hearing loss related to aging.

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 poor circulation or an iron deficiency causes these little hairs to die they will never grow back.

Don’t wait to get a hearing test because you’re never too young. Apply these steps to your life and prevent hearing loss.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.