By Rachel Trinker, Au.D., CCC-A, Head of Audiology at Audien Hearing
You probably already have routines for taking care of your health. Maybe you exercise, wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, or try to get enough sleep. Hearing health can be approached the same way.
You don't need a complicated routine. A few simple habits can help you be more mindful of your hearing and reduce unnecessary exposure to loud sounds.
Turn It Down
Headphones and earbuds make it easy to listen to music, podcasts, television, and phone calls throughout the day. What matters is not only how loud you listen, but how long you listen.
Keep personal audio at a comfortable level rather than routinely turning the volume all the way up. If you've been listening for an extended period, give your ears a break. Many phones and listening devices can also alert you when your listening levels may be too high, so pay attention to those warnings rather than simply dismissing them.
Protect Your Ears When Things Get Loud
Concerts, sporting events, power tools, lawn equipment, motorcycles, and other loud environments can expose your ears to potentially harmful sound levels.
If you know you're going to be somewhere loud, plan ahead. Earplugs or other appropriate hearing protection can help reduce your sound exposure while still allowing you to participate in activities you enjoy, such as Audien Shields.
Give Your Ears Some Quiet Time
Sound exposure adds up. After spending time in a particularly loud environment, stepping away from the noise and spending some time somewhere quieter gives your ears a break.
If you leave a loud environment with ringing in your ears or sounds seem muffled, take it seriously. Those can be signs that your ears were exposed to more sound than they could safely handle.
Pay Attention to Changes
Another healthy habit is simply noticing when something feels different.
Maybe speech suddenly seems harder to understand. Perhaps you're increasing the television volume more than you used to, or you're having trouble keeping up with conversations when several people are talking.
Rather than automatically blaming other people for mumbling, consider whether it may be time to have your hearing checked.
Add Hearing to Your Wellness Routine
Hearing wellness doesn't require thinking about your ears every day. It means developing a few habits that protect your hearing now while also recognizing when it might be time to seek help.
This National Wellness Month, make hearing health part of the routine. Turn the volume down when you can, protect your ears when you can't, and pay attention to what your hearing, and your loved ones, may be telling you.
