Our senses are important. They are the ones that give us information about the world. But as we age, our senses of hearing, vision, taste, smell, and touch change. As they get dull, it would be hard for us to notice details. It can also affect our lifestyle since it would be difficult to communicate with others, enjoy social activities, and stay involved with the people around us.

For seniors, especially those who are over the age of 65, one of the top health concerns is the loss of hearing. This may happen gradually, but there are actions that we can take to ward off the severity of this problem. Read on to learn more.

Stay Away From Harmful Sounds

According to studies, hearing loss is now being experienced by many people at younger ages and at quicker rates. This is because of a number of environmental factors. But in your own simple ways, you can certainly avoid this problem by staying away from harmful noises. It is not bad to use your stereo, car radio, or TV just as long as you turn the volume down. If you are watching a movie or listening to music on your phone or laptop using earbuds or headphones, be sure not to go past 50% of the volume.

If you are utilizing tools or equipment like lawnmowers, snowmobiles, power tools, or jet skis, always protect your ears. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can certainly affect your sense of hearing. You may not notice it right away, but you will for sure as you age.

Clean Your Ears Properly

Most of us use cotton swabs to clean our ears, but don’t you know that this is not really recommended? The ears are self-cleaning organs and the wax in them stops harmful particles from entering the ear canal. You should never stick anything in your ears as this can cause irreversible damages. In case you notice excess wax, you can clean your ears using a damp towel. There are also solutions that you can use so that the wax will flow out on its own. But just to be on the safe side, it will be better to seek the advice of a specialist as to which solution is the best to utilize.

Keep Your Ears Dry

Whenever you go swimming, it is always advisable to protect your ears. You should get rid of the excess moisture as this can allow bacteria to enter and attack your ear canal. This may then result in ear infections, loss of hearing, and other dangerous ear problems.

Once you are done swimming, gently clean your ears using your towel. Now, if for some reason you feel that there is water inside, tilt your head to the side. Better yet, use a swimmer’s earplugs when you go swimming.

Allow Your Ears to Recover

If for any reason your ears have been exposed to loud noises for a prolonged period of time, make sure to allow them to rest and recover. Experts say that your ears need about 16 hours of quietness to recuperate.

Only Use Prescribed Medications

When we are not feeling well, a lot of us rely on over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and many more. But did you know that some of these can actually hurt your sense of hearing? Yes, they can contribute to hearing loss. Therefore, as much as possible, only use prescribed medications. You can seek the advice of your doctor and find out which medications you need to completely stay away from.

Eat Healthily

Eating healthy foods does not only keep your body strong as you age, but it also helps prevent loss of hearing. You should stock your fridge with food items that are filled with vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, vitamin, and folate. Start incorporating foods like beans, leafy greens, avocados, nuts, seeds, walnuts, fish, bananas, melons, and oranges into your diet to keep your sense of hearing in tip-top shape.

Take Supplements

There are also supplements infused with vitamins and minerals that you can take. Some of which have been formulated to specifically promote good ear health. However, before you take anything, you should consult your doctor.

Go for Regular Checkups

If you have close relatives with hearing loss or if you notice yourself having a hard time hearing conversations, it would be smart to have your hearing tested. You should also do so if you often hear ringing in your ears or if you are exposed to loud noises all the time. You may be advised to use a hearing aid or other treatment.

Your sense of hearing is as important as your other senses, so you should never neglect your ear health. Do your ears a favor and follow the tips above so that you can protect them and avoid hearing problems as you age.