Seems like we’re constantly trying to stay youthful. From gym memberships to Botox to wrinkle cream to special diets, we spend countless hours each day doing everything we can to slow down the aging process. And yet, even with all that effort (and all that time), we have a tendency to neglect doing one simple thing that might really work: using ear protection.
Hearing loss is often one of those “signs of aging” that we often think of as inevitable. But it’s not that easy. By safeguarding your ears (and treating them with some kindness on the way), you can help avoid harm and keep your hearing in great shape. And as time goes by, great hearing can have significant anti-aging rewards.
Aging And Hearing
The actual passing of time is not generally what we are referring to when we talk about aging. Instead, specific emotional, mental, and physical changes are signs that somebody is getting older. Pain in your joints is a perfect example of this. When your knees start to hurt, you might associate that with “growing old”. But lifestyle has as much to do with this as age does.
Many kinds of hearing loss fall under this category. As you age, damage accumulates. The accumulation of damage, in most cases, is the real cause of hearing deterioration. And that’s when the problems can begin to snowball. Neglected hearing loss has been connected to a number of other indications of aging:
- When hearing problems are undetected and untreated they can often hasten the onset of other mental health issues, including dementia.
- Self isolation from friends and family can be the consequence of untreated hearing loss.
- Sometimes, issues like insomnia and loss of memory, can be triggered by the mental strain of trying to hear. And, in an especially intense way, that can cause you to feel like you are getting old.
- Research has shown a strong connection between neglected hearing loss, depression, and anxiety.
So How do I Fight Age-Related Hearing Loss?
When you battle the “signs of aging” in your ears, you’re really placing a focus on preventing damage. And fortunately, there are a number of ways to accomplish that. Here are some things you can do:
- Become more aware. It isn’t only the painfully loud noises that can lead to harm. Moderate sound for extended durations can cause injury to your ears, too.
- If you happen to work in a somewhat noisy setting, wear hearing protection. With modern quality ear muffs, loud noises are filtered out while voices are still able to be heard with clarity.
- Avoid loud noises as much as possible. And when you can’t avoid high volume areas, use hearing protection. So make certain you use earplugs when you go see your favorite band.
Your ears can be safeguarded by all of these actions. But in order to keep your hearing in good condition you can do one more thing: come see us for a hearing examination. Catching hearing loss before it’s perceptible can be achieved by getting regular examinations. Even if your hearing is perfectly normal, an exam will still be capable of providing a useful baseline to compare against future results.
Keep Your Ears Healthy With Hearing Aids
We live in a noisy world. Your ability to avoid damage is critical, but you may eventually notice some hearing loss in spite of your best efforts. You need to seek out help right away if you do detect any symptoms of hearing loss. A good pair of hearing aids can help counter some of the so-called age-related concerns related to hearing impairments.
Hearing aids can help your ears function more youthfully, sort of like a facelift for your ears. And that can help keep depression, dementia, and other issues at bay. This example only goes so far since a facelift is cosmetic and hearing aids are essential. Wrinkle creams may help you look younger. But if you actually want to battle aging and feel a bit more youthful, your best bet is to protect your hearing and take care of your hearing loss.