Struggling to listen to television? Always ask others to repeat themselves? You are not alone: about 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing.
Although there have been impressive advances in hearing aid technology in the field of audiology, there are many simple, natural things you can do yourself to normalize your sense of hearing before professional intervention is necessary.
In this article, we provide you with some recommendations to improve your hearing naturally.
Get Some Exercise
Your ears detect sounds, but your brain interprets them. Exercises that strengthen your brain's ability to hear and understand can help you hear better.
Here are two activities you can try:
- Walk in the woods, on the beach or in a similar setting with man-made noise. Focus on your surroundings and write down everything you hear, from the birds chirping to the wind. Repeat this exercise for several days to gradually become more exposed to ambient noise.
- You have to read aloud from a book or magazine about an unknown topic to a partner. After each sentence, try to repeat exactly what your partner said. Once you can repeat the words of the sentence permanently, try rehearsing with the TV in the background or a noisy restaurant.
Take Vitamins
Many vitamins and minerals are linked to improvements in-ear functions and hearing.
Folic acid promotes the production of energy in the cells responsible for hearing as well as circulating your ears.
Zinc protects the hair cells inside your ear, which are responsible for repelling the vibrations that send electrical signals to your brain. Zinc also supports your body's immune system helping to prevent ear infections.
B vitamins offer many potential benefits to your ears, including controlling fluid levels and improving oxygen utilization.
Quit Smoking
Research suggests that the habit can double the damage to your ears. This is because blood flow and oxygen are essential for maintaining healthy cells in your inner ear, and are affected by both nicotine and carbon monoxide. Smoking also disturbs the lining of your middle ear.
Get Tested
Although hearing loss cannot be reversed, some minor lifestyle changes can prevent it from getting worse. However, early detection is key, so your hearing should be checked every year.
Ear Wax Explained
Ear wax is a natural defense mechanism that protects the inside of your ear from foreign particles, bacteria and infections. Although a small amount of ear wax is beneficial, building more ear wax can cause mild hearing loss and discomfort.
See your doctor if you suspect you have an obstruction. Never try to dig it out by yourself as you run the risk of putting too much wax in your ear and damaging your ear canal.
Use Sound Amplifier
It will help you understand conversation much better in any environment. For example, BHearing is the next-generation digital personal sound amplifier that goes with Bluetooth and an app for customization. For more details, visit jabees.com
References:
- https://zenithlabs.com/can-hearing-be-restored-naturally-doctor-responds/
- https://www.medexpress.com/blog/better-health/4-little-habits-big-impact-on-your-health.html
- https://www.hearsoundly.com/guides/hearing-loss-statistics