3 lifestyle tips that can save your hearing

Did you know you may be guilty of bad habits that actually contribute to hearing loss without even knowing it? Here are a few tips you never knew could help prevent hearing damage!

Excessive noise exposure is a major cause of hearing loss. But it's not the only reason for it. There are loads of other factors that can cause hearing damage.

Surprisingly, lack of exercise and tooth decay are linked to hearing loss. Many medications can affect our hearing or cause tinnitus, but often a simple change of prescription can solve the problem. Poor blood circulation to the delicate nerve cells of the inner ear may affect the ear's performance, causing problems with hearing and balance.

That means a healthy diet and regular exercise may help to reduce the likelihood of hearing loss. Here are some healthy lifestyle changes you can implement to save your ears from hearing loss.

According to research, people who smoke have almost a 70 per cent higher risk of hearing loss than non-smokers. It seems that smoking reduces oxygen supply to the cochlea, impairing its function. So, if you value your hearing (and your health!), stop smoking. If you need help, see your doctor or look online for advice.

We all know that exercise is beneficial for our general health, but how many people know that it's also good for our hearing? Research has shown that the more physically active we are, the better our hearing is likely to be. Why? Because exercise reduces the risk of arterial disease that can damage the inner ear.

But be careful when increasing your physical activity. A few small studies suggest that exercising strenuously while listening to loud music, especially with headphones on, may increase the likelihood of developing noise-induced hearing loss. The physical changes that occur during exercise may make the inner ear more vulnerable to noise damage.

It seems the better the state of your teeth, the less likely you are to lose hearing with age, but it's not clear why. In a study comparing dental health and hearing loss in more than 1,000 people, researchers found that every missing tooth was linked with a doubling in the risk of hearing loss.

Also, dental disease has been linked with a raised risk of heart disease. It may contribute to atherosclerosis in the ear as well. Whatever the reason for the link between dental and oral health, it's worth looking after your teeth. Pay attention to dental hygiene and go for regular checkups.