It seems like we’re constantly trying to stay youthful. We spend countless hours undertaking everything possible to stay young. From specialized diets to fad workout programs to Botox to wrinkle creams. And yet, even with all that energy (and all those hours), we tend to neglect doing one simple thing that could actually work: using ear protection.
Hearing loss is often one of those “signs of aging” that we frequently think of as inevitable. But it’s not that easy. By protecting your ears (and treating them with a bit of kindness along the way), you can help avoid harm and keep your hearing in good condition. And good hearing can have significant anti-aging effects as time goes by.
Aging And Hearing
When we speak about “aging” we don’t normally mean the actual passing of time. Rather, “aging” typically describes the presentation of certain emotional, mental, or physical attributes that we associate with getting older. A perfect example of this is joint pain. You may associate sore knees, for instance, with “getting old”. But it’s not age by itself that leads to the issue (your regular 5-mile run may have something to do with it, too).
Many types of hearing loss fall under this category. As you age, damage accumulates. And in most cases, it’s the accumulation of damage that leads to the actual hearing degeneration. And that’s when things can begin to grow out of control. Several other signs of aging have been linked to hearing loss:
- Self isolation from family and friends can be the outcome of untreated hearing loss.
- In some situations, the mental burden involved in attempting to hear can result in issues like loss of memory or insomnia. And, in a particularly profound way, that can make you feel like you are aging.
- Studies have shown a robust connection between untreated hearing loss, depression, and anxiety.
- When hearing problems are unnoticed and neglected they can sometimes hasten the onset of other mental health issues, including dementia.
What to do About Age Related Hearing Loss
When you battle the “signs of aging” in your ears, you’re really placing a focus on controlling damage. And fortunately, there are quite a few ways to achieve that. Here are some things you can do:
- Wear ear protection to work if your job exposes you to loud noise. Modern ear muffs have amazing technology that can let you hear voices with clarity while eliminating loud, harmful environmental sounds.
- Become more aware. It isn’t just the painfully loud noises that can cause harm. Moderate sound for longer durations can cause injury to your ears, too.
- Steer clear of loud noises as much as you can. If you have to expose yourself to loud noise, use hearing protection. So when you go see that concert with your favorite musician, be certain to use earplugs.
All of these strategies will help protect your ears. But there’s one more thing you can do to keep your ears in good shape: come see us for a hearing test. Catching hearing loss before you even notice it can be achieved by getting regular examinations. You should still get an exam even if your hearing is fine so that you can have a standard to compare against in the future.
Keep Your Ears Healthy With Hearing Aids
The world we live in can be boisterous. Your ability to protect against damage is essential, but you may ultimately detect some hearing loss in spite of your best efforts. You should get help as soon as possible if you do detect any symptoms of hearing loss. A good set of hearing aids can help counter some of the so-called age-related problems related to hearing impairments.
You can maybe think of hearing aids as a facelift for your ears: something to make your ears to work a little more youthfully. And dementia, depression, and other problems can be prevented. This example only goes so far since a facelift is cosmetic and hearing aids are essential. Wrinkle creams might help you look younger. But if you really want to battle aging and feel a bit more youthful, your best choice is to safeguard your ears and treat your hearing loss.