Your hearing is very delicate; losing your hearing isn’t the same as breaking a bone. Bones can often be broken and repaired multiple times. Hearing loss occurs because of damaged hair cells in your ear, and once those hairs are damaged, they cannot be repaired - it’s permanent.

In order to preserve your hearing, it is important to take preventative steps early on and to always protect your ears whenever they are exposed to loud noises over long periods of time. Below are some tips to be able to continue hearing your best:

1. Wear earplugs at musical concerts, both indoors and out. 

2. Wear earplugs at sporting events such as football, baseball or hockey games. Our office can make custom earplugs for you to use at any occasion, contact our office today for more details!

3. Don’t listen to music through MP3 devices and earbuds at high volumes or for long periods of time. 

4. Try to limit your exposure to loud noises without hearing protection, including power tools, fireworks and airplanes. 

5. Get a hearing test every year to keep an eye on your hearing. Hearing aids can help preserve hearing and limit continued loss, so the earlier you catch hearing loss the better. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!

6. Bars and clubs can be very loud, so consider wearing earplugs or limiting your exposure to loud music and crowds.

7. Wear earplugs when flying, as noise levels inside an airplane can harm your hearing.

8. Wear hearing protection if you are hunting or shooting a gun. We offer a full line of digital hearing protection, contact our office today for more details.

9. If you are exposed to noise for long periods of time, take breaks and step away for some quiet. This will help your ears relax and give them a break from trying to handle all the noise. 

10. Use noise-cancelling headphones if you are going to be exposed to loud noises.

11. Check medications for the possible side effect of hearing loss. There are about 200 medications that are potentially ototoxic, damaging to your hearing. 

12. Do your best to keep your blood pressure under control, as changes can affect the delicate inner structures of your ears. 

13. Smoking can increase the risk of hearing loss. Try to stay away from those who are smoking, or if you smoke, do your best to quit or at least cut back as much as possible. 

14. Don’t use cotton swabs to remove earwax from your ears, as they can actually push wax or debris further in. If you think you have excessive build-up, contact our office today we would be happy to take a look in your ears.

Keeping your hearing in tact is just as important as your physical and mental wellbeing. Many people take their hearing for granted and wait to get help until it’s too late; don’t let that be you. Whether you think you have hearing loss or haven’t gotten your hearing checked in a while, it is very important to get an annual hearing screening. Call our office today to schedule your appointment.