When you enjoy the benefits of a properly functioning body, it can be challenging to consider how your actions have consequences that can significantly impact your quality of life. This ideology is especially true among younger generations, as they tend to believe they are invulnerable to harm and happy to experiment with new and sometimes dangerous activities without thinking about the consequences.
Many face a rude awakening when health problems arise, sometimes far earlier than expected. Unfortunately, the damage is done by then, and sometimes there is little they can do but learn to cope with their ailments and adapt to their new circumstances. At any age, it can beneficial to look into health supplements like Tinnitus 911.
Hearing Loss and Other Risks
Hearing loss is a common issue many people face, affecting as many as a fifth of all people worldwide. In most cases, preventative measures can make a difference, protecting your hearing so that you can continue to enjoy full use of this sense.
There are other risks than just hearing loss. When at a concert or other event without proper protection, you may notice a ringing in your ears afterward, and it may seem like all other sounds are distant. These symptoms are indications that you have suffered hearing damage. While most of these problems are temporary, repeated exposures can lead to permanency.
For example, that ringing sound is called tinnitus, and if it persists for more than six months, it likely means you will be hearing it for the rest of your life. While people often refer to the sound as a ringing, it can take several forms, such as a whoosh, buzz, click, sirens, electrical whine, and more. Sometimes it can sound like two dissonant tones at the same time.
In most cases, the only way to reduce the effects of tinnitus is through white noise, music, or other sounds that draw the brain’s attention away from it, making it less noticeable. This ailment and hearing loss can significantly impact your life, so it is essential to protect your hearing health.
Here are five ways you can do just that:
- Monitor Your Music Volume
Teenagers, in particular, love to test the limits of both their speakers and ears while enjoying their music of choice. While this can be an enjoyable experience that helps relieve stress and motivates people, the problem with this practice is that, at some point, this volume becomes necessary to hear the music at all.
This is because loud noises can cause damage to the sensitive parts of the inner ear, including the hairs that detect sound. Prolonged exposure wreaks further havoc, damaging and killing cells responsible for hearing. The result is a gradual loss of hearing over time, which may only be noticeable once it has reached a significant level. In many cases, this loss is permanent.
To protect yourself, resist the urge to crank the dial to 11, aiming for somewhere in the neighborhood of 60% of typical volume levels. Noise-canceling headphones can also improve your experience, as they filter out background noise, but exhibit the same caution during their use, especially any earbuds extending into the ear canal.
- Wear Hearing Protection Around Loud Noises
While most forms of hearing loss are gradual processes, there are times when a single loud noise, especially one in close proximity to your ears, can cause sudden and irreparable damage. You may be unable to prepare for every eventuality, but in most cases, you will have advance notice of noises of suitable decibel levels to cause damage. Anything above 85 decibels is a threat to your hearing.
When attending events that feature sudden loud noises, such as a shooting range or extended exposure to high volumes like concerts, always wear proper ear protection. Hearing protection can be earplugs, earmuffs, and specially designed headphones to shield the ears from significant noise decibels.
While earplugs are an excellent solution to many volume problems, they may not be enough for the aforementioned examples or prolonged exposure such as those who work in a loud factory may endure. Seek safety equipment designed for these circumstances to ensure the best results.
- Limit Exposure to Loud Sounds
While ear protection is a great idea, taking breaks from loud noises is still wise to ensure that you do not suffer any adverse effects. Even a five-minute reprieve can give your ears a much-needed break, allowing them to recover from prolonged exposure. When you have the opportunity, take longer breaks somewhere quiet.
Nothing is better protection than avoiding risky circumstances entirely, however. If you know of a location where you may need ear protection but have the opportunity to avoid it, do so. After all, there’s no reason to risk your hearing health if it is unnecessary. Left with no other choice, take precautions for your protection.
- Avoid Cotton Swabs
Earwax, while beneficial to protect your inner ear from foreign dust, bacteria, and even bugs, can sometimes result in hearing loss if it becomes impacted. While rare, it is better to consult a medical professional to remove the offending material in such an event rather than resort to popular methods such as cotton swabs.
The problem is that cotton swabs can cause more problems as they may push earwax deeper into the ear canal. This can create the very buildup you are trying to avoid. In addition, many people misuse Q-tips, extending them into the canal and risking damage to the eardrum.
Similarly, avoid putting other small objects in your ear for any reason, especially if they are sharp.
- Keep Your Ears Dry
Swimming can be a lot of fun, but if you are not careful, it can lead to hearing loss. Outdoor water sources, including swimming pools, can be breeding grounds for bacteria; when this water becomes trapped within the ear, if left there, it can cause an infection. This phenomenon is called “swimmer’s ear,” and you may be familiar with the feeling of having water trapped within your ears.
In most cases, getting it out is as simple as tilting your head to the side and pulling on your earlobe. If that doesn’t work, a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol can dry it up. Refrain from sticking items in your ear (such as cotton swabs).
If you suffer an infection, seek a Denver hearing clinic to ensure proper treatment as soon as possible because damage to the sensitive hair follicles can lead to hearing loss.
