While hearing aid technology and recognizing the signs of hearing loss have made impressive progress, there are simple ways to improve your hearing naturally. Read on to discover eight ways to improve your hearing.
8 ways to improve your hearing - Photo by Serafima Lazarenko
Exercise
Studies show that exercising can help improve your hearing. It increases blood flow in the ear and helps improve "fast thinking" - a process by which sounds are processed quickly. The auditory part of the brain processes sound waves and identifies their source and meaning. The faster this process is, the quicker you'll hear and react to situations.
Avoid loud noises
To protect your hearing from damage, you should avoid loud noises. Using earplugs or earmuffs can help. They go in the ear canal and can reduce noise levels by about 15 or 30 decibels. You can also visit an audiologist to have earplugs customized.
It would be best to use noise-cancelling headphones or muff-style earplugs when listening to loud music. Using earbuds or in-ear headphones may not help as much. If you are near loud noises, take frequent breaks to rest your ears. Try to avoid concerts or events where the volume is exceptionally high.
Eat foods rich in magnesium and zinc
Eating foods rich in magnesium and zinc is a great way to improve your hearing. These two nutrients help your body fight free radicals and may help prevent hearing loss and tinnitus. They also benefit the immune system and may help prevent ear infections. You can find zinc in various foods, including beef, dark-eating poultry, pork, split peas, lentils, and spinach.
Keep your ears dry
One of the most overlooked ways to improve hearing is to clean your ears. Your ears need to remain clean and dry to hear clearly. In addition to keeping the outside of your ears clean, you should also pay attention to your ear health. Avoid putting things in your ears that could damage them. Call your healthcare provider or visit a specialist if you have any concerns.
Water can cause an ear infection called a swimmer's ear. It happens when water becomes trapped inside the ear canal. To prevent this infection, you need to remove any water safely from your ears by tilting your head to one side and shaking your earlobe. Additionally, you can buy custom-fit earplugs to help block out any water.
Check for ear wax
If you are experiencing hearing problems, you may want to check for ear wax in your ears. Earwax can block your ear canals and affect your hearing, making it difficult to hear sounds. If you notice more than the average amount of earwax, you should consult your healthcare provider immediately. Ear wax can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. It can cause dizziness, earaches, and even hearing loss.
Don't smoke
Smoking harms your hearing, and even if you're not addicted to the habit, it still affects your hearing ability. Tobacco smoke damages your auditory system by interfering with the regulation of neurotransmitters. These chemicals carry sound information from your inner ear to the brain. When these signals get blocked, you can't hear the sound, and the effect is hearing loss. Moreover, children's auditory system is not fully formed until they reach their teenage years, and exposure to tobacco smoke can disrupt this process. So it would be best if you quit smoking as soon as possible.
Yoga
Yoga improves hearing by improving blood circulation in the inner ear. It also strengthens the neck muscles and helps the nervous system control stress levels. It may also help people with tinnitus. The practice is also beneficial for digestion, headaches, fatigue, and back pain. Yoga may be the perfect way to improve your hearing if you have hearing problems.
See your doctor regularly
Your hearing can be affected by several factors, and it's essential to see your doctor regularly to get the necessary treatment. Various screenings are available, and you should always be sure to let your doctor know about any changes in your health. They will check your hearing and heartbeat and help you prevent serious issues.
