We are already a month into 2020 – are you still keeping up with your resolution of maintaining healthy hearing? Fortunately, taking care of your hearing only requires a few small changes. We’ve made a list of simple ways to improve your hearing this year.
Get Your Hearing Checked
Like any medical condition, early intervention is key; the sooner your treat the problem, the better the results. Be on the lookout for common signs of hearing loss, including:
- Speech and other sounds seem muffled.
- Words become difficult to understand, especially in background noise.
- Consonants become hard to hear.
- Frequently asking others to speak clearly.
- Turning up the volume on the TV.
- Withdrawing from conversations.
- Avoiding social settings.
At the first sign of hearing loss, contact your CENTA Medical Group audiologist to schedule a hearing test. Even if the results indicate your hearing is fine, it is good to have a baseline on file. Audiologists can compare the baseline to tests completed in the future and see if there has been any change in your hearing.
Make Sure You’re Getting the Most from Your Hearing Aids
When was the last time you had your hearing aids cleaned and serviced? Audiologists recommend bringing your hearing aids in for a check-up every six months.
During this follow-up visit, your audiologist will discuss your hearing and any technical issues you have experienced. Most people can have these check-up visits covered by their insurance or hearing aid warranty.
In addition, you will learn about any new hearing aid technology that may be a better fit for your degree of hearing loss and listening needs. Hearing aids should be updated every three to five years. If you have had your model for longer, chances are you are missing out on a number of new features.
Adjust Your Diet and Lifestyle
Research suggests a link between diet and lifestyle habits and your hearing health. Getting enough vitamins in your diet can help preserve your hearing and prevent long-term damage. Activities like smoking can damage the hairs of your inner ear that are responsible for transmitting sounds to your brain, causing irreversible hearing loss.
Protect Yourself from Loud Noises
Make sure you are protecting your ears from exposure to unsafe noise levels. Sounds are measured in decibels, and anything over 85 dB can cause permanent damage to your hearing. Working with power tools, attending a rock concert and even listening to your music too loudly through your earbuds can lead to noise-induced hearing loss.
Turn down the volume when you can and wear protective earplugs when needed.
The audiologists at CENTA Medical Group want this to be the year you stick to your resolutions. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about protecting your hearing health.