Losing your hearing is life changing. Whilst many deaf people do not see it as something that needs to be fixed and live very fulfilling lives, there is no denying that developing a hearing impairment is a shock. It can leave people feeling isolated, confused and frustrated. Some hearing loss is unavoidable, developing from illness or as a natural result of aging. We talk about causes of hearing loss more here. However, there are steps we can take to prevent some kinds of hearing loss. This blog will walk you through how you can take proactive care of your hearing.
Understanding Hearing Health
The ear is a complex organ, which means there are several things that can go wrong. Before diving into hearing care tips, it’s important to understand the basics of ear health and anatomy. The ear can be split into three parts:
Outer Ear – The outer ear consists of the bit that you see and the external auditory canal, which connects the outer ear to the middle ear.
Middle Ear – This contains the eardrum, which divides the outer and middle ear. There are 3 small bones called ossicles. Moving further in there is another canal called the eustachian tube. This links the middle ear with the back of the nose, allowing equalised pressure within the ear, which is essential for the transmission of sound-waves.
Inner ear – This contains the nerves required for hearing within a structure called the cochlea. The receptors required for balance are also in the inner ear.
How do we hear?
The outer ear focusses sound waves down the external auditory canal. These soundwaves move the eardrum, which vibrates and moves the 3 small bones (ossicles). The ossicles amplify the sound waves, which move into the inner ear, where the cochlea detects them and turns them into electrical impulses. These impulses then move to the brain where they are translated into sound.
For a video summary, click here.
As you can see, the ear is made up of small intricate structures. There are a lot of areas that can be damaged or malfunction, but if you take good care of your hearing, it can last you a lifetime. Here’s how:
Minimise Exposure to Loud Noise
Exposure to loud noise damages the nerves and receptors in the inner ear. It’s called sensorineural hearing loss. This can lead to immediate loss of hearing or it can happen slowly over a period of time. Whilst it is one of the most common forms of hearing loss, it is also easiest to protect against. Minimise exposure to loud sounds. Use ear protection in noisy environments, keep the volume at a safe level when listening to music or using headphones, and take breaks from loud activities.
Practice Good Ear Hygiene
Maintaining good ear hygiene is essential for preventing ear infections and blockages of the middle ears. We have a blog on safely removing earwax (link to earwax blog). Regularly rinse your outer ear with warm water and clean gently with a washcloth. Never stick anything in your ear canal, like swabs or sharp object. At Cambrian Hearing, we are against the use of ear candles, as these can cause damage. Seek medical attention for persistent ear pain or drainage.
Schedule Regular Hearing Check-ups
Regular hearing check-ups should be part of your wider health monitoring, especially if you have a higher risk of losing your hearing. Schedule an annual hearing screening with a qualified audiologist in Oswestry, Shropshire at Cambrian Hearing. Keep an ear out for changes in your hearing or any symptoms of hearing loss. The moment you notice something, book yourself in with a hearing care professional.
Understand your Medication
Certain medications are referred to as “ototoxic”, which means they may damage the inner ear as a side effect of their action. Most common ototoxic medications are some antibiotics, some diuretics, antimalarials, some chemotherapeutic drugs, some NSAIDs, quinine and acetaminophen. Inner ear damage is not a guaranteed side effect with these medications, but it is possible. When it comes to protecting yourself from ototoxicity, knowledge is power. Be sure to read side effects and ask your doctor before starting any new prescription.
Maintain Overall Health and Wellness
Overall health and wellness play a significant role in hearing health. Keeping a healthy body can only be good for your hearing. Make sure you eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, hydrate, get plenty of sleep and manage any health conditions you might have.
Taking care of your hearing is essential for maintaining overall well-being and quality of life. By following these practical tips and strategies for hearing care, you can protect your auditory health and enjoy the benefits of clear, healthy hearing for years to come. Remember, prioritising your ear health today can help preserve your hearing for tomorrow and beyond.
