Hearing is one of our most important senses. It helps us communicate, enjoy music, and stay aware of our surroundings. But sometimes, our hearing might not be as good as it used to be.
If you’re wondering how you can improve your hearing, there are several ways you can take care of your ears and even boost your hearing ability.
Let’s explore some simple steps to keep your hearing healthy and tips for improvement.
1. Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises
Loud sounds can impair your ability to hear over time. If you are constantly exposed to loud noises, make sure to use hearing protection such as earplugs and noise-canceling headsets. They can reduce noise to damaging levels and also limit the exposure of your ears to the damage caused by noise. Using headphones constantly at a loud volume may also damage your hearing,
Tip: It would be best to use the “60/60 rule.” Make sure the volume does not exceed 60%, and listen for no more than 60 minutes.
2. Clean Your Ears Carefully
Your ears produce ear wax naturally. This ear wax captures dirt and bacteria. But too much of it will prevent you from hearing clearly. Ear cleaning should be done in a safe and cautious manner. You should stay away from using cotton swabs and objects like needles. They force the ear wax deeper inside the ear or sometimes may hurt the eardrum. Ask an audiologist to help you if you experience plugged ears. Link Audiology provides ear wax removal services in Washington.
Tip: Clean your ears once a week, which can help you prevent the accumulation of wax in the ears while keeping them healthy.
3. Get Regular Hearing Checkups
Just like your eyes or teeth, your ears need regular checkups. You can check with an audiologist, a doctor that specializes in hearing; they should be able to determine whether your hearing is getting worse. Early detection will make all the difference; these issues will be discovered and possible treatments will be recommended, which may include hearing aids or other devices.
Tip: You should make it a habit to have a hearing test once a year, particularly if you need to keep asking people to repeat what they say or you find yourself having to turn up the TV volume more frequently than usual.
4. Stay Healthy
Taking proper care of your general health can also prevent damage to your ears. Some diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes may lead to damage to the ears. A diet with fruits and vegetables ensures that the thin elements of your ears are well circulated with blood.
Exercise to help promote circulation. Good circulation is important, and that includes through and around your ears. You might simply walk a short distance, swim, or bicycle to keep those extremities and you in good working order.
Tip: Staying hydrated is also essential because it keeps your body functioning well, which can help protect your hearing.
5. Use Hearing Aids or Other Devices
If you already have some hearing loss, hearing aids can be a big help. They make sounds louder so you can hear better. There are different types of hearing aids available, including ones that are nearly invisible or connect to your smartphone for easy control.
Other devices, like assistive listening devices, can help in specific situations like watching TV or having conversations in noisy places.
Tip: If you think you need a hearing aid, talk to an audiologist to find the right one for you. Some hearing aids even come with features like Bluetooth or tinnitus relief.
6. Practice Listening Exercises
Believe it or not, you can improve your hearing by practicing listening. Just like any other skill, your hearing can get better with training. Try focusing on specific sounds in noisy environments, like the ticking of a clock or birds chirping in a park. This exercise can help your brain process sound better.
You can also play brain games or use special apps designed to improve your hearing and listening skills. These exercises can make it easier to understand speech in loud places or focus on certain sounds.
Tip: Even simple activities, like listening to music with different instruments or singing along to songs, can help sharpen your hearing.
7. Quit Smoking and Avoid Excessive Alcohol
Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can negatively affect your hearing. Smoking reduces blood flow to the inner ear, making it harder for your ears to stay healthy. Similarly, too much alcohol can harm the part of your brain responsible for hearing.
If you smoke, consider quitting to protect your hearing. Cutting back on alcohol can also have a positive effect.
Tip: If you’re having trouble quitting smoking, ask your doctor for advice or join a support group to help you stop.
Expert Audiologists in Washington
Improving your hearing is all about taking care of your ears and your overall health. Protect your ears from loud noises, clean them carefully, and visit your audiologist regularly for checkups.
Link Audiology connects you to expert audiologists in Washington. Our clinics are located in Silverdale, Vashon, and University Place.
Contact us to schedule an appointment!
