Hearing problems are very common and can affect people of all ages. When we listen to our favorite music at full volume through our headphones, we rarely think that it could lead to very serious problems in the long run.
In addition to using headphones too often, there are other unhealthy habits that can harm our hearing health. We set out to find out which habits are worth breaking to make sure you keep hearing your best for a long time to come.
Using cotton swabs.
Although it is very convenient to clean your ears with cotton swabs after showering, medical experts believe that it is not safe for hearing health. Using cotton swabs too often can lead to perforated eardrums and, in severe cases, can even lead to hearing loss.
To avoid damaging your eardrums, use a soft cloth to clean and dry your ears.
Listening to loud music.
When you go to work early in the morning, nothing sounds more appealing than listening to your favorite music on the go. But if you use your headphones too often and listen too loudly, it can damage your hearing over time.
If music helps you create your own space and you can’t imagine a day without it, try listening at or below the decibel recommendation.
Piercing your ears.
While piercing the earlobe is generally safe, piercing other parts of the ear, such as the top of the ear or the area near the ear canal, can harm your hearing health.
Piercings in the upper part of the ear can become infected more easily, and swelling and discharge from the infected area can temporarily affect your hearing.
Not keeping your ears dry.
While swimming is a great way to stay fit and relieve stress, too much moisture is not healthy for your hearing. When water enters the inner ear tube, it causes the natural ear wax to soften. Because wax protects your ears against fungus and infection, it makes it easier for germs to get into your ears, which can damage your hearing.
Choosing the wrong type of exercise
If you have ever noticed that your ears get plugged up after exercising, this could be an indication that this type of exercise is too intense for you.
Lifting heavy objects, for example, can cause pressure inside the brain, which in turn puts pressure on the inner ear. To avoid this irritating sensation, try cleaning your ears before training and avoid holding your breath.
Have you made any of these mistakes? What else can we do to protect our hearing?
Preview photo credit Halfpoint Images / Moment / Getty Images, Eugenio Marongiu / Image Source / Getty Images
