There are more than 11 million people in the UK with hearing loss and Action on Hearing Loss estimate that the number will rise to 15.6 million by 2035. Anyone suffering from hearing loss is in good company, but if something can be done about it, most will choose to take action.
While age remains the main cause of hearing loss and it isn’t possible to retain normal hearing forever, there are ways to minimise the risk of developing the problem.
Exercise
Exercise often makes the list for improving a medical condition. It’s is good for overall health and therefore it’s good for hearing health.
Exercise increases the flow of blood to the ear and that is essential to keeping the hair cells in the inner ear healthy. It doesn’t even have to be the most taxing of exercise, either. Research shows that walking an average of two hours each week displayed a reduced risk of hearing loss.
Stop smoking
If you’re looking for another good reason to stop smoking, research from students at the University of Manchester found that smokers are 28 per cent more likely to develop hearing loss than non-smokers.
Smoking affects hearing as the nicotine and carbon monoxide tightens blood vessels, thus starving your inner ear of the oxygen it needs to keep the cochlea’s hair cells healthy.
Protection
Because we spend most our time at work, the environment in which our job is occupied can have a significant impact on our hearing. If you have a job that is most likely to cause hearing loss and your manager hasn’t already provided it, it’s important to get hearing protection. Anything above 85 decibels is damaging to hearing.
Have a hearing test
The easiest and most efficient way of dealing with hearing loss is talking to an audiologist at a hearing practice. A hearing test will confirm or disregard any concerns you may be feeling about your hearing.
The Hearing Centre is a specialist centre dedicated to solving hearing problems in Leicester. As well as hearing test, our centre provides hearing aid fittings, wax removal, tinnitus treatments, noise protection, swimming protection services.
To book your hearing test click here or call us today on 0116 254 3909.
