How to preserve good hearing into old age |
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As much as 278 million people worldwide have a serious hearing impairment.
Partial hearing loss will afflict 40% of people older than 60.
Many will be affected even before that age.
In which group will you be?
In fact, do you have problems hearing me now?
What causes hearing loss
Those responsible for the hearing loss are many - from infections, ear trauma, ototoxic drugs, to genes.
However, one of the most common causes of hearing impairment is an ordinary everyday noise.
Day in and day out, such noise causes micro-damages to hearing cells and after many years this result in deterioration of hearing.
Paradoxically, it is this type of hearing loss most preventable, yet most of us do not prevent it.
"Exposure to noise causes damage to hearing cells in the inner ear. These cells are essential for good hearing. "- explains Dr. Jose Fayad, a professor at the House Research Faculty.
"Hearing loss can be caused by a short loud sound. But in most cases, damage to hearing cells is caused by regular, daily exposure to noise over a prolonged period of time."
What the noise level is hazardous to our ears
But that noise level is harmful to our hearing?
Prolonged exposure to sound above 85 dB can cause permanent hearing loss.
Normal conversation takes place within the limits of 50-70 db.
Engine noise and the lawn mower are between 85-90 db.
Noise in disco or on the rock concert is between 110 and 120 dB.
Ambulance siren and airplane during takeoff produce noise with intensity of 119-140 db.
The "silent" killer of hearing cells
The most dangerous and least known killer of hearing cells is – music.
The music we listen to on our iPod, CD or MP# player every day.
These devices send music through headphones directly into our ear. The volume is such that we do not hear people around us, the noise of passing cars, not even taking off the plane - which means it's too loud!
MP3 player memory holds hundreds of songs, which means that you can listen for hours - as most people do during work. Prolonged listening to music on such devices exposes our ears to direct danger.
It has been shown that exposure to the sound of 85 dB for over 8 hours causes hearing loss with time. What should we then say of iPods and MP3 players, where we use a much higher volume (typically over 100 db)?
Scientists warn: because of MP3 player, our generation is at a serious risk of hearing loss. And not just in old age, but a lot sooner.
Therefore, if you frequently listen to music, do not exceed the volume level higher than 60% of the maximum volume.
Folk recipes for improving hearing
Honey and cinnamon
In order to improve hearing, every morning and before bedtime take a mixture made of equal parts of honey and cinnamon.
Red wine and green tea
It is good for the heart, mood, immunity, and recent studies have shown that red wine can prevent hearing loss.
Antioxidants found in red wine protect the hairs in the inner ear, those hairs that defend against external influences. Green tea has a similar effect on hearing.
Garlic drops
In Sicily garlic is considered a cure for all diseases. The following recipe is used for improving healing.
Shortly stew a few cloves of garlic in olive oil. Strongly press each clove to squeeze the juice out of it, and then strain the oil. Pour 3-4 drops of oil in the ear every day and then plug the ear with a cotton pad.
Red and white onion juice
It is believed that this powerful potion restores hearing. The potion contains 30 ml of white onion juice and 30 ml of red onion juice. Drink it once a day.
Vitamins and minerals are essential for our hearing
Recent researches reveal that some vitamins and minerals are directly associated with the organ of hearing.
In studies where participants were exposed to loud music, hearing loss was much lower in patients who had previously been taking vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, and magnesium.
A recent US study with over 51,000 participants showed a positive effect of folic acid on the hearing. During the follow-up period of 20 years, hearing loss was reduced by 20% in people who were regularly taking folic acid.
Whether in the form of food or as a supplement to the diet, vitamins and minerals can be a good prevention of hearing loss.
Physical activity is the key to good hearing
The latest research reveals interesting facts, and that is that our hearing is directly related to cardiovascular health.
How are they connected? The blood supply to the head allows the ears to the good and function properly.
Exercise generally improves the blood circulation in our body and is therefore essential if you want to have good hearing.
Studies have shown that people were in good physical shape in their 50’s also had good hearing – as good as young people.
For cardiovascular health and good hearing aerobic exercises are highly recommended - running, swimming, walking. You need to practice at least 20-30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week.
Infections that can cause hearing loss include:
- meningitis
- mumps
- measles
- chronic ear infections
- HIV
Medicines that can cause hearing loss
We do not say repeatedly to stay away from drugs as much as you can without a reason. A full range of medications may have ototoxic (harmful to hearing) effect.
Ototoxic drugs include:
- some types of antibiotics (gentamicin, tobramycin, kanamycin, streptomycin, neomycin, amikacin, ribostamycin, netilmicin)
- some types of diuretics (furosemide, bumetanide, torsemide, ethacrynic acid)
- some cancer drugs (cisplatin, carboplatin, vincristine)
- aspirin (in large quantities)
- drugs for erectile dysfunction (Viagra, Levitra, Cialis)
The toxins that are present in our environment can also cause deterioration of hearing. This group includes mercury, lead, manganese, xylene, sheet, butyl nitrite and toluene.
Cleansing the body of toxins and heavy metals
Practical advice
- Be careful not to expose yourselves to sound stronger that 85 db
- If, however, you have to be exposed to such noise, every 15 minutes take a "silent" break.
- Use protection for the ears. You can get them at any pharmacy.
- If you have to raise your voice to make yourself heard - you know that your environment is too loud!
- Do not drive a car at full speed with the windows open.
- If you are listening to music with headphones, do not turn up the volume more than 60% of the maximum level.
- If you drive a motorcycle, make sure to protect your ears.
- Do not stand near the speaker or sound amplifier.
- Immediately treat all ear infections.
- If you experience hearing loss or ear pain, consult a physician.
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