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1. Noise
exposure. Are you one of the more than 22 million American
workers exposed to excessive levels of noise in the workplace?
Are you one of those listening to iPods, shooting firearms,
riding motorbikes, or working with lawn and garden tools? These
devices are causing hearing loss at alarmingly high rates. Most
noise is painless, progressive, permanent and preventable. Noise
exposure is the second most common cause of hearing loss
worldwide and is the most preventable. You should wear hearing
protectors or avoid exposure to loud sounds. Turn down the
volume and reduce the length of time you listen to your iPod or
mp3 player. Studies show that people who wear noise canceling or
noise reduction earphones with iPod or mp3 players typically
listen to music at safer levels.
2. Cotton swabs. Why take a chance on making matters worse?
Cotton swabs and ear candling are unhealthy practices to remove
earwax, to clean or scratch your ear canals. Don't use cotton
swabs to clean inside your ear canal. It can push the earwax in
further and you could puncture your eardrum.
3. Smoking. Smoking tobacco and second-hand smoke can contribute
to hearing loss. Studies suggest that chronic nicotine exposure
impairs the brain's ability to "hear" and interpret sound. Along
with the other reasons to stop smoking, you can reduce your
likelihood of greater hearing loss if you quit or stay out of
smoky places.
4. Diabetes. Diabetics are twice as likely to have hearing loss.
Eating a healthy diet, maintaining proper weight and daily
exercise can help you avoid type 2 diabetes.
5. Alcohol. Too much alcohol can contribute to permanent hearing
loss. Recently, researchers found that drinking 2 beers in a
half an hour can cause temporary hearing loss for up to 16
hours.
6. Solvents. Avoid organic solvents. Organic solvents (such as
styrene and toluene) are commonly found in paints, lacquers and
industrial printing inks. Studies have shown that these
substances have a negative effect on your hearing.
7. Medications. There are at least 96 different drugs that may
cause permanent or temporary hearing loss. When you stop taking
aspirin and aspirin-containing drugs, your hearing may come
back. Excessive use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS),
cisplatin (a cancer drug) and erectile dysfunction drugs can
also cause hearing loss.
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8.
Antioxidants. Antioxidants and vitamin supplements may help
prevent hearing loss. Hearing loss due to aging may be prevented
with a combination of antioxidants, mineral and vitamin
supplements such as folic acid and magnesium. A healthy diet of
fruits and vegetables and meats may protect hearing in later
life.
9. Your heart. Maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. There
is a strong correlation between heart health and good hearing.
Newly published reports show that a healthy cardiovascular
system increases the likelihood of maintaining hearing,
particularly among older adults.
10. See an audiologist. If you think you may have hearing loss,
an audiologist will test, monitor and offer solutions to help
you function better. An audiologist is a licensed health care
provider who is trained to diagnose and manage your loss, as
well as offer preventative measures. To find an audiologist in
your area go to www.audiologyawareness.com or call (888)
833-EARS (3277).
The Audiology Awareness Campaign, a nonprofit foundation aimed
at providing the public with information on hearing loss, is
sponsoring the 4th Annual "Listen Up America Week" May 9 to 13,
2011, where audiologists will offer free hearing screenings
nationwide.
"By offering free hearing screenings throughout the United
States, we have the ability to reach many Americans who might
otherwise not have access to licensed audiologists," says Dr.
Kathy Landau Goodman, chairperson of the Audiology Awareness
Campaign. "Now these individuals will have access to
audiologists who can evaluate their hearing, determine whether
they have hearing loss, and then make appropriate
recommendations for treating their hearing problems."
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