We use our hearing all day, every day – even during sleep! It’s an easy sense to take for granted, which is why ear health is often overlooked until problems become severe and impact our daily lives.
As trusted UK audiologists based in Sheffield and Derbyshire, we’re passionate about sharing tips on how to maintain your ear health that you can follow to safeguard your hearing and maintain hearing health.
Why is ear health important?
Our ears are complex structures that not only allow us to hear, but also help us maintain our balance. When the ear is damaged, it can result in hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) and vertigo.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 1 in 5 people live with hearing loss worldwide, making it a widespread issue. In the UK, it’s estimated that over 11 million people experience some degree of hearing impairment. The good news is that some factors that lead to hearing loss are preventable. Here are some top tips on how you can proactively maintain your ear health.
Protect your ears from loud noises
One of the most common causes of hearing damage is exposure to loud sounds. Whether it’s concerts, construction work, or even prolonged use of headphones, consistent exposure to high noise levels can damage the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear. Once these hair cells are damaged, they do not regenerate, leading to permanent hearing loss.
Our tips on how to protect your ears:
- Wear ear protection: If you work in a noisy environment, always make sure to use earplugs or ear defenders. These protective devices can significantly reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. For maximum comfort and hearing protection, we recommend investing in custom moulded ear plugs, perfect for anyone who works in loud environments.
- Limit exposure to loud music: With unmissable events hosted at Leadmill all the time, we know how important music is to the community in Sheffield. However, it’s important to take breaks from the noise, move away from speakers and consider wearing earplugs designed for concerts. These earplugs allow you to hear the music clearly while lowering the volume to safer levels.
- Mind the volume of your headphones: Many people use headphones daily for commuting, exercising and leisure. Opt for noise-cancelling headphones, which block out background noise and allow you to enjoy your podcast or music at safer levels. We like the 60/60 rule – listen at no more than 60% volume for a maximum of 60 minutes at a time.
Get regular hearing tests
Regular hearing tests are as important as annual eye check-ups or dental appointments, especially if you work in noisy environments or are over the age of 50. Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it difficult to notice until it becomes a significant issue.
So, why should you get your hearing checked regularly? Early detection of issues during a hearing assessment identifies problems at an early stage when intervention is more effective. You can visit our clinics across Sheffield and Derbyshire, as well as in Mirfield. We also offer home hearing test appointments available for anyone to book.
Regular hearing tests also allow us to monitor changes in your hearing, even if they are subtle. This can be especially useful for those who have a family history of hearing loss or medical conditions such as diabetes, which can affect auditory health.
Avoid inserting objects into your ears
Did you know that earwax actually plays a vital role in protecting the ear from dust, dirt and infection? Many people use cotton swabs, their fingers and even hairpins to clean their ears, but this habit can push earwax deeper and introduce harmful bacteria into the ear canal, potentially causing blockages or damage to the eardrum.
The safest way to clean your ears at home is to simply let them clean themselves. The ears are self-cleaning and as the jaw moves, earwax naturally works its way out of the ear canal, taking dust, debris and dead skin out with it. When earwax is on the outside of the ear, just wipe it away with a damp cloth and voila – clean ears!
However, if you find yourself experiencing signs of hearing loss, it could mean that you have excessive earwax buildup and need an earwax removal appointment. We offer earwax removal in Sheffield, Derbyshire and Mirfield, and also offer home earwax removal appointments. All of our appointments are available to book online.
Using over-the-counter earwax drops can also help manage excess earwax and can also help with the ease of removal during earwax removal appointments.
Be mindful of water in your ears
Exposure to water in the ears, whether it be from swimming or bathing, can cause painful ear infections such as swimmer’s ear. You can prevent water-related ear problems by wearing earplugs specifically designed for swimming, which prevent water entering the ear canal and keeping bacteria away. Custom moulded earplugs provide exceptional fit and more effective protection.
Ensuring that you thoroughly but gently dry the outer ear can also prevent water-related ear infections. Simply tilt your ear towards the floor and take a clean, dry towel to gently pat the ear dry. Do not be tempted to insert the towel into the ear canal as this can impact ear wax and harm the delicate inner ear.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage stress
A balanced diet and regular exercise can positively impact your well-being and hearing health. Good circulation ensures that the hair cells in the inner ear receive the nutrients and oxygen they need to function correctly, and a good workout releases happy endorphins and is a great way to manage stress levels.
If a tough workout isn’t your style, then meditative practices and yoga are another great way to stay active whilst keeping stress levels low, which is beneficial for your overall health and well-being.
Eating a balanced diet which is rich in vitamins and minerals can have a positive impact, such as foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish), magnesium (like bananas), and vitamins A, C, and E in your diet, can help maintain inner ear health. And, avoiding drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and quitting smoking are two more factors that can help care for your ear health.
Book a hearing test in Derbyshire and Sheffield
Taking care of your ear health is vital for maintaining a high quality of life. By protecting your ears from loud noises, undergoing regular hearing tests, practising safe ear-cleaning habits and leading a healthy lifestyle, you can significantly reduce your risk of hearing problems.
Should you feel that your hearing health has declined and you’re concerned about your hearing capacity, book an appointment with one of our expert audiologists for a full hearing assessment and health check. We’ll be able to diagnose hearing loss and identify any issues you may have within your ears.