Many factors contribute to early hearing loss. Some can be hereditary, while others can be the result of external triggers. It may also be a side effect of some medications you’re taking. The good news is that you can eliminate most of these non-genetic factors. Here are some ways to improve your hearing health starting today.
Reduce Exposure to Loud Noises
Musicians, factory workers, and people who work in loud environments have a higher chance of suffering from hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can damage your hearing over time. Furthermore, it can also speed up the natural hearing loss associated with aging.
You should always use professional protective headgear as one of the ways to improve your hearing health. Earpieces that have powerful noise-canceling features are also available in specialty stores.
Track Your Medications
Some people have to take drugs like cyclophosphamide and cisplatin in the treatment of cancer. Similarly, people suffering from kidney disease take antibiotics to relieve the symptoms. Even the more common drugs like aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen are used very often for quick pain relief.
Over time, these ototoxic drugs can cause tinnitus, or the ringing in your ears. Depending on how aggressive your treatment is, this may even result in a permanent hearing loss. Because of this, it’s important to keep your doctor updated on your hearing. In some cases, they may be able to alter your therapy if needed.
Sometimes Food Is the Best Medicine
Certain food groups provide the body with valuable minerals, vitamins, folate, and essential fatty acids. They help it fight off infections and secure a good blood flow to your ears. As such, one of the essential ways to improve your hearing health is to change your eating habits.
A balanced diet rich with green leafy vegetables, fruits, fatty fish, and occasionally red meat could do the trick. Moreover, it will also provide you with almost everything you need to slow down the natural degenerative hearing process.
Ultimately, your hearing is very much a reflection of your body’s overall health. If you want your ears to serve you well for a long time to come, you need to feed your body right. So, watch what you eat and get all the nutrients you need to stay in top form.
