Based on recent reports, an estimated 20 percent of Americans currently suffer from some level of hearing loss. Research also shows that by the age of 12, the same percentage of children have some degree of hearing loss. This condition is becoming more common too. Studies indicate that it has increased by nearly 30 percent over the last 25 years, and experts expect it to grow by more than 50 percent over the next two decades.
Understanding the Importance of Hearing Health
Many people don’t realize just how much hearing loss can affect their everyday lives. It can interfere with relationships, affect job performance, and hinder learning. Hearing is closely related to our physical, mental, and emotional health as well. With all that being the case, it’s important to do everything you can to maintain healthy hearing. If you think you may be suffering from hearing loss, or you just want to to stay on top of potential problems, your first step should be to take an online hearing test. If that screening indicates hearing loss, you can take additional measures to address it.
Preserving Your Hearing
Having said that, taking measures to prevent hearing loss or keep it from growing worse is essential. Many people place themselves at risk of damaging their hearing without even realizing it. Understanding the possible risk factors and addressing them is the key to maintaining healthy hearing.
Be Careful When Cleaning Your Ears
One effective way to prevent hearing loss is to use caution when cleaning your ears. Though keeping your ears and ear canals clean is an important part of good hygiene, you could accidentally do more harm than good in the process. Doctors recommend being as gentle as possible when using cotton swabs and only using them to clean your outer ear. To clean deeper and remove earwax buildup, consider using a powered ear irrigation system. Still, those should be used with caution as well.
Safeguard Your Ears
Another crucial measure to preserve your hearing is to protect your ears against loud noises. That’s especially true if you’re routinely exposed to them. If you work with power tools or around loud machinery, consider using earplugs, protective earmuffs, or both. Wear earmuffs during target practice and earplugs at concerts as well. You can’t always avoid loud noises, but you can certainly safeguard your ears while you’re exposed to it.
Turn Down the Volume
Research shows that ongoing exposure to loud music and other media is one of the main reasons for increased hearing loss among children and teenagers. Personal headphones started becoming mainstream in the 1970s, and they’ve been gaining popularity ever since. Today, they’ve largely been replaced by earbuds for listening to music, and gaming headphones are growing ever more common. Keeping the volume at safe levels while listening to music and gaming is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent hearing loss.
Get Regular Hearing Screenings
Finally, remember that the previously mentioned online hearing tests aren’t one-time events, and they’re only part of the process. For most adults, having hearing screenings every three to five years is recommended. Those who are at a greater risk of hearing loss and people over the age of 60 are advised to have annual hearing evaluations. Catching hearing loss as soon as it starts allows for early intervention and may prevent further degradation.
Protecting Your Hearing
Millions of people suffer from hearing loss. In some cases, it can be prevented. Keep the tips mentioned here in mind to help maintain healthy hearing. If a preliminary online screening points to possible hearing loss, don’t ignore it. Book an appointment with an audiologist for further evaluation. Your audiologist will determine the type of hearing loss you’re suffering from, its causes, and how to address it.
