Better Hearing Blog

When a person develops hearing loss, it can impact the quality of their life significantly. While hearing loss cannot be reversed, there are various solutions that can help improve hearing and therefore improve the person’s quality of life. Many people rely on hearing aids and cochlear implants to improve their hearing.

The difference between cochlear implants and hearing aids

Hearing aids are designed to amplify sounds from the environment. These devices transmit the amplified sounds at a level that the ear can detect. They are small devices that are fitted in or behind the ear and are most suitable for children as well as adults that are suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss. These devices come in a wider range of styles to suit different preferences.

Cochlear implants are more complex than hearing aids. These are placed surgically into the air. They work by bypassing the damaged part of the inner ear to stimulate the auditory nerve directly. They are ideal for those with profound deafness or severe hearing loss. While they do not restore hearing to what it was before, they allow the wearer to experience a sensation of sound. They can therefore communicate with others and be more aware of what is happening around them.

Which is Better?

There is none that is better or worse than the other. Both hearing aids and cochlear implants are beneficial for those with hearing issues. However, they are designed to meet different needs. Hearing aids are useful for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. They can benefit those with conductive hearing loss (i.e. hearing loss that stems from the middle or outer ear) as well as those with sensorineural hearing loss (i.e. hearing loss that stems from the inner ear or the auditory nerve). Cochlear implants are beneficial for those with severe hearing loss that is sensorineural.

If you’re wondering what type of hearing device to go for, you should see your ENT or an expert audiologist. They will examine your hearing and diagnose its cause and the extent of the damage. They will then determine the best treatment for your condition.

Many of us understand the relationship between good nutrition and good health. We now know that many health issues are the result of poor nutrition. However, not many people know that their nutrition and their hearing are actually connected.

It is important to note that hearing issues cannot be reversed with a healthy diet. If you have developed a hearing problem, you should see an audiologist to determine the best approach to take to manage your condition. However, eating a healthy nutrient-dense diet is thought to help reduce the risk of developing hearing issues while consuming a poor diet is thought to increase the risk of developing hearing issues.

The link between a healthy diet and hearing

A study involving 71,000 female participants between 1991 and 2013 showed a link between diet and hearing. The study revealed that women that consumed a diet high in vegetables, grains, and fruits were 30 percent less likely to experience hearing loss compared to those that didn’t.

Are There Specific Foods that Can Help to Prevent Hearing Loss?

There are several other studies that have linked specific nutrients to positive effects on hearing. While these nutrients cannot reverse hearing loss they are associated with a reduction in the risk of developing hearing loss. These nutrients include:

• Potassium – This mineral has been found to play a vital role in the function of the inner ear. It plays an important role in converting sounds into signals that the brain can interpret. Potassium is abundant in bananas, black beans, and potatoes.
• Zinc – This mineral is thought to be effective in treating tinnitus. It is rich in dark chocolate, cashews, and almonds.
• Magnesium – It is believed to combat free radicals that are emitted when exposed to loud noises. Magnesium, therefore, acts as a protective barrier to the hair cells in the inner ear.
• Folic acid – this mineral is thought to play a role in slowing down the onset of hearing loss. It helps to metabolize homocysteine, an amino acid that restricts blood flow. This action by folic acid helps to regulate the flow of blood. Foods high in folic acid include leafy greens such as asparagus, spinach, and broccoli.

If you have experienced hearing loss then you may be at higher risk of suffering accidental injuries. A study in which more than 272,000 adults in the US were surveyed between 2007 and 2015 showed that people with hearing problems were 60 percent more likely to suffer accidental injuries. The study further showed that those with moderate hearing difficulties were 70 percent more prone to accident injuries.

Why Are You At Higher Risk of Falling With Hearing Loss and Not Loss of Sight

Many people think that loss of sight puts you at higher risk of accidental injuries. However, the truth is that you are more prone to falls when you have suffered hearing loss. Here’s why:

1. Hearing uses a lot of your brain reserves

Unlike when you see an object, you have to concentrate more to interpret a sound. According to Johns Hopkins School of Medicine otologist, Frank Lin, MD, PhD, this requires more mental resources. With impaired hearing, you may have fewer mental resources available to help you with your balance.

2. Hearing makes you more aware of your environment

Because of the sounds around you, you are better able to notice other activities going on around you. This gives you a better sense of where you are. Your balance is the result of the coordination of your sense of hearing and sight as well as the coordination of your muscles.

3. Hearing loss results in a decrease in spatial awareness

Hearing loss is linked to the decline of the receptors in the inner ear and plays a major role in your sense of grounding. The vestibular sense is not only activated by sound but also by gravity. It, therefore, helps to give you a sense of where in terms of space. Those with hearing loss resulting from vestibular issues experience dizziness and other balance issues.

If you are suffering from hearing loss, it is important to be careful when moving. Engage in balance exercises, walking as well as strength exercises to improve your balance.

A recent study by John Hopkins University revealed that there is a relationship between hearing loss and exercise. According to the study, regular exercise can prevent hearing loss. The study revealed that seniors that were active for around 3 hours a week were less likely to develop hearing loss. Seniors that didn’t exercise at all were shown to have higher rates of hearing loss. According to the study, the activity of about 25 minutes daily can significantly reduce the risk of developing hearing loss.

Can Exercise have a negative effect on hearing?

While exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of hearing loss, some exercises can do the opposite and exacerbate hearing loss. Conditions such as perilymphatic fistula and patulous Eustachian tube can be made worse as a result of strenuous activities.

It is also important to note that hearing loss can result in balance problems. This can make engaging in certain exercises unsafe. Hearing loss has also been associated with interference in walking ability as well as reduced strength.

What Exercises Should You Do to Help Protect Your Hearing?

Hearing loss can occur as a result of inflammation damaging the nerve cells, hair cells in the ear, and the capillaries in the ear. Exercise helps to protect the ears and reduce the risk of developing hearing loss by improving the oxygen supply to the cells and nerves in the ear. It also helps to improve circulation and thus the delivery of nutrients to these cells.

You don’t have to engage in strenuous exercises to protect your hearing. Simple exercises such as walking your dog, gardening, swimming, or even playing with your children or grandchildren will help to protect your hearing. If you’re able to, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help to improve your overall health. It is, however, important to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.

You waited for the movie premier and it’s finally here. But have you thought about how the loud volume levels at the movie theater will affect your hearing? According to a study by researchers at the University of Hawaii, some movie theaters displayed films with peak volumes of about 130 decibels. While sound levels were not as high throughout the movies, scenes depicting explosions, gun fights, and car chases had high sound levels peaking at 130 decibels. To put this in perspective, this sound level is equivalent to that which you would experience a jet is taking off and you are standing 100 meters away from the jet.

The results of this study show that it is possible to suffer hearing loss from watching a single movie at a movie theater. In fact, if you leave the theater with a ringing in your ears, it could be early signs of hearing loss.

Not Just the High Sound Levels

Health experts advise avoiding sound levels of over 80db. A normal conversation is about 60 to 70 decibels. Most movie theaters have sound levels ranging between 74 and 104 decibels. Many people will play their home theaters at around 85 decibels. While these sound levels seem safer than 130 decibels, it is not just the sound levels that contribute to hearing loss but also the length of your exposure to the sounds.

According to health experts, exposure to sound levels of about 85 decibels for eight hours or less is safe. However, you can begin to experience hearing loss for exposure to sound levels of 88 decibels for more than four hours. Hearing loss may be experienced due to exposure to noise levels of 91 decibels for more than two hours. If your movie achieves sound levels of 100 decibels, you may experience damage to your hearing after only 15 minutes of exposure.

As a rule of thumb, if you can’t have a normal conversation with the person seated next to you, the volume is probably too high.

Do you hear ringing in one or both of your ears? Tinnitus is a condition where the person experiences the sensation of a sound in their ears without there being an external source for the sound. Ringing is one of the most common symptoms of this condition. It was estimated in a recent study that this condition affects about 10 percent of the adult population in the country. This is about 21 million adults.

Are there people at higher risk of developing tinnitus?

There are many causes of tinnitus. There are also people who are at higher risk of developing the condition. Some of the most causes of tinnitus include:

• Age-related hearing loss – you may perceive noises that aren’t there as a result of the deterioration of the structures within the inner ear
• Medical conditions such as head injuries and ear infections can result in temporary tinnitus
• Exposure to high noise levels such as the firing of guns, a jet taking off, or a car crash can result in tinnitus in people of all ages.
• Some medications can result in tinnitus as a side effect.
• Lifestyle habits such as smoking or high intake of salt can increase your risk of developing tinnitus.
• Genetics – studies have revealed that some forms of tinnitus are hereditary.

How to Prevent Tinnitus

Tinnitus is preventable. There are several ways that you can protect your hearing. These include:

1. Wearing earplugs when you’re in an environment with loud sounds such as at a construction site or at a loud event.
2. Practicing safe listening for example keeping the volume of music at a reasonable level.
3. Avoiding ear infections and getting timely treatment when an ear infection does occur.
4. Visiting your audiologist if you have started to experience symptoms of tinnitus.

Prevention is key if you want to protect your hearing.