Maintaining ear health after 45 is important to preserve hearing and overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you take care of your ears,
Regular Check-ups: Have your hearing tested regularly by an audiologist to catch any changes early.
Protect Your Ears: Use earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments (concerts, power tools, etc.) to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
Keep Ears Dry: Moisture in the ears can lead to infections. Use a towel to dry your ears after swimming or showering, and consider using earplugs while swimming.
Avoid Cotton Swabs: Using cotton swabs can push earwax deeper into the ear canal. Instead, clean your ears with a damp cloth and let earwax naturally move out of the ear.
Manage Earwax: If earwax buildup is a problem, use ear drops to soften it, or see a healthcare professional for removal.
Limit Exposure to Loud Sounds: Keep the volume at a safe level when using headphones, and take breaks to give your ears a rest.
Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially those known to support hearing health like magnesium, zinc, and folate.
Avoid Ototoxic Medications: Some medications can harm your hearing. Discuss with your doctor if any of your medications could be ototoxic and explore alternatives if necessary.
Exercise Regularly: Cardiovascular exercise improves blood flow to all parts of your body, including your ears.
Manage Chronic Conditions: Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can affect hearing. Keep these under control with regular check-ups and medication adherence.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking can impair blood flow to the ears and increase the risk of hearing loss.
Stay Informed: Educate yourself about hearing health and stay up-to-date with the latest recommendations and treatments.
