The new year is almost upon us, and for many people that means resolutions aimed at improving aspects of their lives. But instead of simply resolving to work out more or take up a new hobby, why not make a resolution that will directly impact something vital: your hearing.

It’s no secret that many of us have unhealthy habits and attitudes towards hearing health. But you can take steps toward improving and protecting your hearing. Here are a few of the best things you can do for your hearing health in the New Year:

Exercise

For many people, exercise is already high on the list of New Year’s resolutions. But did you know that exercise can also help your hearing? High blood pressure and being overweight are linked to hearing problems, and a regular exercise program can help you deal with these issues.

The best types of exercise for hearing health are low-impact cardio programs like walking, cycling, hiking, yoga, or tai chi. Talk to your primary care physician if you have questions about what kind of exercise is best for you.

Take Hearing Precautions

One of the most common causes of hearing loss across all people is noise-induced hearing loss. This refers to hearing loss caused by loud noise damaging the structures of your ears. Noise-induced hearing loss can include tinnitus, lower hearing sensitivity, and even physical damage to your ears.

The best way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is to take precautions when around loud noises. This includes turning down the volume when you can (such as listening to music on headphones) and wearing hearing protection when you can’t (like when using a lawnmower or attending a loud concert). These simple steps can help you protect and preserve your hearing for a long time.

Get Your Hearing Tested

One of the simplest steps you can take toward protecting your hearing in the New Year is to schedule a hearing test with an audiologist. Hearing tests are quick, easy, and painless, and they’re the first step toward better hearing overall.

When should you schedule a hearing test? Here are a few things you can look for that might indicate you’re having hearing problems:

• You find yourself needing to turn the volume up on the TV or radio more than you used to.
• You have trouble understanding people in social environments like restaurants, bars, or near a busy street.
• You often have to ask people to repeat themselves.
• People have trouble getting your attention when you aren’t looking at them.
• You feel like you don’t enjoy activities like listening to music or watching movies as much as you used to.

Wear Your Hearing Aids Every Day

Finally, if you already have hearing aids, one of the best resolutions you can make is to wear them every day. Often, people who have hearing loss only wear their hearing aids when they think they “need them.” However, this is a bad strategy that can actually cause your hearing to deteriorate over time.

When you wear your hearing aids, your ears have an easier time picking up sounds and passing them to your brain. This strengthens the nerves and neurons in your hearing centers and makes it easier for you to hear and understand the sounds around you.

However, when you don’t wear hearing aids – or only wear them sometimes – these nerves and neurons deteriorate from lack of use. This can cause your hearing and comprehension to get worse over time, even if you already have hearing aids. The solution? Wear your hearing aids as often as possible so your ears and mind stay strong.

Contact the Oklahoma Hearing Center Today

If you want to learn more about strengthening and protecting your hearing, contact us today at the Oklahoma Hearing Center. We’re ready to help you improve and preserve your hearing ability with the latest techniques and technologies. Call (405) 546-4280 today to schedule an appointment or visit us on Facebook for more hearing tips and news.