Age is like a double-edged sword—it makes you wiser, but it can also make you weaker. As we get older, our body deteriorates and things don’t necessarily work how they used to. Your backaches, you need glasses, you walk a little slower, and sometimes your hearing isn’t as sharp as it used to be. If you feel your hearing is worsening or you are experiencing hearing loss, don’t worry just yet! Hearing loss is a normal part of aging, but there are certain things you can do to improve your hearing.
Supplements
Taking a daily supplement has become increasingly popular nowadays with the rise in wellness and health-conscious behavior. More than four in five Americans (or 86 percent) take supplements or vitamins, according to an online survey conducted by The Harris Poll for the American Osteopathic Association. Various vitamins and private label supplements can help reduce the symptoms of hearing loss. These include: gingko, coenzyme Q10, N-acetyl cysteine, noni, vinpocetine, Panax ginseng, astragalus, folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin C. Gingko leaf is said to improve blood circulation, which may help your ears function better. Some research suggests that taking astragalus intravenously for 10 days can improve hearing loss. Taking Panax ginseng for a period of two weeks may help to reduce temporary hearing loss, some studies note. Zinc may also help with hearing as it protects the hair cells in your inner ear. These hair cells emit vibrations that send electrical signals to your brain.
You can usually get these vitamins in capsules, powder, or liquid forms. Some supplements like gingko and Panax ginseng can come in the form of tea. However, upping your vegetable and fruit intake can naturally help you get these vitamins without swallowing a pill. Broccoli, beans, and green leafy vegetables are high in magnesium and folic acid. And having a glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice can satisfy your vitamin C intake.
Exercise Daily
Working out helps to keep your body and brain healthy. Your brain helps your ears function so keeping it in shape will improve your hearing. Daily exercise can also increase circulation and boost your immune system. Increased circulation in your ear improves nerve functions and removes toxins.
The exercise you do doesn’t have to be particularly grueling. A simple walk in the woods or morning jog will do. Yoga is incredibly beneficial for hearing as many yoga poses help with improving circulation, including the tree, lotus, cobra, and triangle pose.
Practice meditation
Just like yoga, practicing daily meditation can increase blood flow to your brain. By slowing down and taking deep breaths, you are taking care of your body and improving your brain function. And to better improve your hearing, meditate on sounds—the birds, the sound of waves, and even the light street noise outside your window. Attuning to various sounds around you will help you notice and better pick up noises in loud environments.
Stop Smoking
Here’s another reason to quit tobacco: your hearing. Research shows that smoking can double the risk of hearing loss because blood flow and oxygen — which are vital to maintaining your inner ear’s health — are damaged by nicotine and carbon monoxide. And smoking hurts the lining of your middle ear and nicotine can cause tinnitus or ringing in the ears.
Get your hearing tested
A recommended suggestion for reducing hearing loss or preventing your hearing loss from getting worse is to get your hearing frequently checked. Search for “audiologists near me” online to find the best places for hearing tests. If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, your physician may recommend getting hearing aids or cochlear implants.
