Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Dr. Rachel Edwards, AuD
1 Know the Signs
More than 466 million children and adults have disabling hearing impairment, according to the World Health Organization, but nearly all hearing loss can be treated. One of the first steps is recognizing the potential signs. If you experience muffled speech sounds, difficulty hearing on the phone or in a crowd, trouble understanding women’s or children’s voices, or complaints from loved ones about your TV or radio volume, consider a professional hearing test.
2 Curb the Noise
Did you know? Noise-induced hearing loss – a largely preventable public-health problem – affects children and adults and is on the rise, according to the Hearing Health Foundation. Whether rocking out at a summer concert, enjoying New Year fireworks, or using power tools, consider limiting the duration of your noise exposure and wearing quality hearing protection.
3 Hold the Swabs
If you like the feeling of a cotton swab rubbed in your ear, you’re not alone. It’s a common habit but, oh, so dangerous. Sticking objects in your ear can cause injury and push earwax farther into the ear canal. To remove excess cerumen, use a warm soft cloth after washing or showering, or soften the wax with drops of warmed olive oil, water, or a commercial solution — as long as you don’t have a perforated eardrum. In cases of persistent ear pain, hearing loss, or blockage of the ear canal, contact us for a professional evaluation.
4 Bring on the Bananas
Healthy eating offers endless benefits, including better hearing wellness, so consider selected fruits, vegetables, legumes, and other key foods that can make a difference. Bananas, for example, pack potassium, which plays a role in regulating the inner-ear fluid crucial to healthy hearing. Look for foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as A, C, E, folate, magnesium, and zinc, too.
5 Schedule Regular Checkups
It’s easy to make better hearing a family affair by scheduling hearing evaluations for the whole household. How often? At least once a year, just as you would for your eyes or teeth. Staying atop your hearing health helps catch any potential changes or problems early, which is important for overall wellness.
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Many prevalent health conditions have a very strong link with hearing loss. We know today that the consequences of untreated hearing loss can have a far-reaching and devastating impact on one’s health.
• Untreated hearing loss can affect cognitive brain function and is associated with the early onset of dementia.
• 21% of diabetics have hearing loss compared to 9% of non-diabetics.
• Hearing loss is tied to a higher incidence of injury-causing falls, and more frequent and longer hospitalizations.
• High frequency hearing loss is a side effect of cisplatin and carboplatin, both chemotherapy medications used to treat certain cancers.
• Women of all ages and adults age 18 to 69 with hearing loss are more likely to experience significant depression.
At Decibels Audiology, our in-depth hearing exams are performed by university trained Audiologists who truly understand the relationship between hearing loss and underlying medical conditions. This is why more than 250 local physicians refer their patients to our office.
Call us today to schedule your FREE hearing test! We can’t wait to HEAR from you!
Dr. Rachel Edwards, AuD, joined Decibels Audiology in the summer of 2019. Rachel is a Tennessee native and received her Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech Pathology from the University of Tennessee in 2016 (Go Vols!). She graduated with her Doctorate of Audiology from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Rachel has been loving enjoying the Florida sun and escaping the frigid cold of the northeast. Rachel is passionate about forming positive relationships with patients and improving their overall quality of life through hearing health care.
Decibels Audiology & Hearing Center
3000 Immokalee Rd #8
Just East of Jason’s Deli
971 Michigan Avenue
Just Northeast of Bascom Palmer
PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT
239-631-5731
napleshearingaids.com
