How do you prevent hearing loss? Well in this video I'm talking about how to
preserve your hearing. Coming up!
Hi I'm Dr. Derek audiologist with ProFitHearing.com
bringing you the best insight in today's latest hearing aids and audio technology
to improve your life. If you have concerns about your hearing,
always consult with your local physician or audiologist.
Welcome to Question of the Day, Friday
where I answer your hearing
healthcare and audio technology questions.
Are you concerned about your hearing? Maybe you have loved ones with hearing
loss or family members that struggle to understand conversation,
or maybe you work in an occupation with a lot of loud noise where you're around
loud sounds regularly. Well today, I'm going to talk about what you can do to
prevent hearing loss.
Number one. avoid loud noise exposure.
So if you like listening to really loud music, going to concerts that are loud,
listening to headphones at a really loud volume, having the TV up too loud, or even
movie theaters those can be kind of loud. So, anything that you do that is being
around loud noise just try to reduce the volume whenever possible.
Number two. wear hearing protection.
OK so if you can't avoid being around
loud sounds or loud noise, wear some earplugs or ear
muffs. You can find earplugs at any pharmacy.
You can get earmuffs that not only protect your hearing but also play music.
You can also get electronic earmuffs that amplify the speech sounds of people
around you while also blocking out all the loud
sounds that you don't want to hear. So, the most practical application for
this is for people who fire weapons or like to hunt. So this allows you to
protect your hearing without completely cutting off the
general sound awareness around you.
Number three. download a sound level
meter app on your phone.
So, if you're concerned that maybe it's just a little too loud
you can check your app to see how loud it is.
I use an app called Decibel X for iPhone. Now also
if you happen to have a new Apple Watch 5, it has built-in
sound level monitoring. So if it's too loud and you've been
listening for too long at that volume, the watch will warn you.
Number four. check your medications.
Are you taking any ototoxic medications? Ototoxic means that damage can be done
to the inner ear hair cells which are responsible for hearing.
Ask your doctor about ototoxicity and medications
if you have any concerns that maybe your hearing has changed or if you're
experiencing any ringing in the ears after taking medication.
Number five. have a regular checkup by your doctor.
So at least have your doctor look in your ears to make sure there's no wax
build up. Obviously wax build up can affect your
hearing. Also avoid smoking or second-hand smoke as studies have
found that exposure can contribute to hearing loss. For
specific guidance on noise levels and exposure limits,
refer to the NIOSH and OSHA standards. The National Institute of Occupational
Safety and Health or NIOSH as well as the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) set safe occupational noise standards.
Check out the links in the description below for more information.
So for today's question, what are you doing right now to protect your
hearing? I'd love to know your thoughts, so please
comment below. Do you have a question that you'd like answered
on Question of the Day, Friday? Let's connect in the comments below.
Thanks so much for watching this video. If you receive value from this video,
please like it, share, and subscribe and hit the bell
icon to be notified whenever a new video is posted.
Remember to check out the notes in the description below for more information
and to connect with Pro Fit Hearing on social media. Be a part of the Pro Fit
Hearing community.
If you're interested in hearing aids,
click on the link in the description below for my free ebook,
How to Buy Hearing Aids.
Know what to ask your audiologist or hearing aid
dispenser so that your hearing aids are easy to
use and have all the features you're looking for.
Remember Pro Fit Hearing brings you the best insight in today's latest hearing
aids and audio technology to improve your life. If you have
concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician or
audiologist. Thanks for watching, and I'll see you in the next video.