Hearing is one of our most important senses, but it is often neglected or taken for granted. Many people are exposed to loud noises every day, which can damage the delicate cells and structures in the inner ear and lead to hearing loss over time. Hearing loss can affect your quality of life, your communication, your mental health, and your overall well-being. But there are some simple steps you can take to protect your hearing health and prevent or delay hearing loss.

Here are five ways to protect your hearing health according to Canadian hearing specialists:

1. Avoid or limit exposure to loud noises.

Loud noises are the most common cause of hearing loss, especially noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). NIHL occurs when the hair cells in the cochlea, the part of the inner ear that converts sound waves into nerve impulses, are damaged by loud sounds. To protect your hearing, you should avoid or limit your exposure to loud noises as much as possible. If you cannot avoid them, you should wear earplugs or earmuffs to reduce the sound level reaching your ears. You can also use noise-canceling headphones or earbuds to listen to music or podcasts at a safe volume.

2. Get Regular Hearing Check-Ups.

Hearing loss can be gradual and unnoticed, so it is important to get your hearing tested regularly by a qualified audiologist or hearing specialist. A hearing test can detect any changes in your hearing and identify any potential problems or conditions that may affect your hearing health. A hearing test can also help you find the best solutions for your hearing needs, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive devices.

3. Keep Your Ears Clean and Dry.

Earwax is a natural substance that protects your ears from dirt, bacteria, and moisture. However, too much earwax can build up and block your ear canal, causing temporary hearing loss, ear pain, itching, ringing, or infection. To prevent earwax buildup, you should not clean your ears by yourself and at home. Do not insert anything into your ear canal, such as cotton swabs, hairpins, or ear candles. You should see your doctor or an ear specialist to have it removed safely.

4. Manage Your Stress and Blood Pressure.

Stress and high blood pressure can affect your hearing health in several ways. Stress can cause muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, which can reduce blood flow to the ears and impair their function. Stress can also trigger or worsen tinnitus, a condition that causes ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the inner ear and reduce oxygen supply to the hair cells, leading to hearing loss or tinnitus.

5. Protect Your Ears from Cold And Infection.

Cold weather can cause your ears to feel numb and painful due to reduced blood circulation. Cold weather can also increase the risk of ear infections by lowering your immune system and creating moisture in the ears from condensation or sweating. Ear infections can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, which can affect your hearing and cause discomfort.

To protect your ears from cold and infection, you should wear a hat, scarf, or earmuffs when going outside in cold.

 If you have any signs of an ear infection, such as fever, ear pain, discharge, or reduced hearing, you should see your doctor as soon as possible for treatment.