Tips Improve Hearing and Prevent Hearing Loss

Avoid loud noises 

Turn the volume down on your devices and use earplugs when you have to be in a loud environment. Excessive noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss,1 but the good news is that it's also the most preventable, too.

Don't Smoke

If smokers need yet another health-related reason to quit, here it is: research indicates that smoking can more than double your risk of hearing loss. That's because blood flow and oxygen are crucial to maintaining healthy cells in your inner ear, and both are hampered by nicotine and carbon monoxide. Smoking also irritates the lining of your middle ear and disturbs the normal function of your eustachian tube.

Nicotine has been shown to cause ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus. Some experts believe it may interfere with the neurotransmitters that carry messages from your hearing nerves to your brain.

 Avoid cotton swabs and other small objects

Never place any objects inside your ear canal, including cotton swabs. Doing so risks damage to your eardrum, which can cause pain and hearing loss.

Take supplements and vitamins for better hearing health

A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, regular exercise, and reducing your stress levels are all important for your overall health, and they can all impact your hearing, too.

Several vitamins and minerals have been linked to an improvement in ear function and hearing:

• B vitamins offer a host of potential benefits for your ears, including regulation of fluid levels and optimization of oxygen use. Folic acid (B9) promotes circulation to your ears, as well as energy production in the cells responsible for hearing.
• Magnesium aids healthy nerve function in the auditory system and helps prevent damage to the inner lining of your arteries.
• Zinc protects the hair cells within your ear, which are responsible for emitting the vibrations that send electrical signals to your brain. Zinc also supports your body's immune system, helping prevent ear infections.

Protect your ears

Keep your ears covered during extremely cold weather using a hat or earmuffs. And don't forget to use ear protection, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, any time you're in an area with a lot of noise.

See your doctor regularly

Regular check-ups with your doctor are an important aspect of maintaining your overall health and can catch potential problems early. Other health conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, can also put you at risk for hearing loss.5

Get regular hearing screenings

Routine hearing tests can detect early signs of hearing loss and improve your chances of returning to normal hearing. A routine hearing test also provides your doctor with a baseline to which your hearing can be compared as you age, allowing changes to be detected more quickly.

Go for a walk in the woods.

Another option is a walk on the beach or in a similar setting with little man-made noise. Focus on your surroundings and write down everything you hear, from birds chirping to the wind blowing. Repeat this exercise several days in a row to gradually become more attuned to the ambient noise.