Healthy choices are not always straight forward. Usually our hesitation can be overcome if we remind ourselves what is good for us. But what if some of the things you’ve been doing for your health are damaging your hearing? It occurs more often than you would think.
Daily Health Habits
When you go out, you want people to notice how good you look, and how well you take care of yourself. Like most everyone, you probably put on something sharp, brush your teeth, comb your hair, and possibly, clean your ears.
That trickle of earwax which builds up with time can definitely be frustrating. Earwax does have several vital purposes, despite that, it does need to be cleared now and then. The risk of hearing damage doesn’t come from eliminating the earwax, but instead, from the system you use to remove it.
If you are using cotton swabs you should quit as these are not the proper tool for the job. Getting rid of your earwax with a cotton swab can cause permanent damage to your ears and hearing. Instead, see a hearing healthcare specialist and ask for guidance. It’s easy and safe for them to eliminate the earwax for you.
Your Workout Program
Staying physically fit is the best way to look and feel your best. Working out can help get your blood flowing, relax your muscles, help you lose weight and clear your mind, all of which are great for your hearing. The problem stems from improperly executed workouts.
It’s becoming more prominent to do endurance testing, high impact workouts. Exercises intended to build muscle may actually strain your ears. Strenuous exercise can cause a build up of pressure in the ears. Resulting in balance and hearing concerns.
Of course, this isn’t an excuse to give up your workout! Improper workout methods can lead to trouble. Avoid strain and don’t hold your breath while exercising. Stop when you have reached your limit.
Your Prospering Career
A successful career can be stressful. While everyone can agree that working hard and achieving professional accomplishment is a great thing, research shows that the pressure that accompanies it can be harmful to your health.
Stress has been known to cause weight gain, impaired thinking, and muscle pain, but did you know it can also cause hearing loss? Poor circulation caused by strain is actually the issue. Poor circulation means that important parts of your body, like the delicate hairs in your ears, don’t get the supply of blood and oxygen they need. When the hairs in your ear die, they won’t grow back. Why do they matter? Those hairs are how your brain senses sound waves. Because without having them your brain has no way to receive sound waves.
Your career doesn’t have to cost you your hearing though. Blood flow can be increased when you use tactics to reduce strain. It is necessary to take time away from a stressful situation. If you have time, read or watch something humorous. Stress can be naturally relieved with humor.
Enjoying the Arts
Exposing your mind to all forms of art is a healthy practice. But different forms of art have different levels of impact on hearing.
We often underestimate how loud going to the movies or attending a concert can be. While enjoying our favorite art form we we usually don’t worry about whether it is harming our hearing. The sad truth is, it very well may be.
You can simply solve this problem. Be certain to plan for ear defense before attending a loud event. Earmuffs may look silly at a production of Phantom of the Opera, but there are plenty of discreet in-ear noise reduction products that you can pack in your pocket.
As usual the best defense is being prepared and informed. Schedule a hearing test with a specialist if you think you may have already suffered hearing damage from a high volume activity. Only then will you know for certain.