More and more hearing loss studies are being conducted all around the world, and scientists and doctors are discovering many different connections between your overall health and your hearing. With that said, it’s important to be aware of “bad” habits that may affect your hearing. The following are 5 “bad” habits that may be causing damage to your hearing and/or negatively affecting your hearing health:
- Smoking Cigarettes: Most people already know that smoking is bad for them. What you might not have realized is that it can actually cause irreversible damage to your hearing. Studies have shown that both nicotine and carbon monoxide lower oxygen blood levels and constrict blood vessels all over your body; this includes the tiny hair cells in your inner ear which help you hear. Even second-hand smoke can cause damage to your loved ones’ hearing too. Learn more.
- Drinking Alcohol Excessively: Studies have revealed that excessive drinking can damage the human brain, which can result in hearing loss. One of the tissues that alcohol will affect is the auditory nerve. This part is responsible for the audio information transferring from the cochlea to the brain. Drinking can cause the auditory nerve to shrink, which can limit the production of sounds.
- Eating Unhealthy: The International Journal of Audiology has reported that there is a significant relationship between dietary nutrient intake and susceptibility to acquired hearing loss – this includes diabetes, malnutrition, and more. So adding healthy foods to your diet and correcting any nutrient deficiencies can positively impact your hearing health. Click here to learn more about foods that help your hearing.
- Listening to Music and Other Media at High Volumes: Many people who listen to music or movies through headphones or earbuds don’t realize that over time, listening too loud can in fact cause damage to their hearing. So it’s important to be mindful of this and reduce the volume accordingly.
- Not Getting Your Hearing Checked Regularly: In order to maintain your hearing health, it is important to get your hearing checked regularly so that your hearing care professional can determine if hearing loss is present and how it can be corrected. Learn more about how often you should get your hearing tested.
Consult with the Hearing Experts at Kenwood Hearing Center
If you still have questions or would like to learn more, contact us today and schedule an appointment. Whether you want to learn more about hearing loss or available treatment options, we are here to help you!