How to Maintain Healthy Hearing While in Social Isolation Mode

As if living with untreated hearing loss isn’t uncomfortable enough, it can also be incredibly isolating—especially during these very isolating times. Some people with hearing loss are already inclined to feel lonely, so an extra factor can have a greater impact.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Here are a few things you can do while at home to help your hearing.

1. Indulge in puzzles and games.

Your ears receive sounds, but your brain processes all the wonderful, (and maybe not so wonderful,) sounds that you hear. So, keeping your brain healthy can help to keep your hearing healthy too. Puzzles like Sudoku, crosswords, and word searches help to maintain healthy brain tissue and the neural connections necessary for processing sensory information.

2. Engage in exercise at home.

Daily physical exercise can increase blood circulation in your ears and brain, which helps to improve nerve functions and remove waste and toxins from your body. Note: If you are exercising while listening to music through headphones, be sure not to turn the music up too loud as this can damage your hearing overtime.

3. Use noise cancelling earphones when listening to music or watching movies on your personal device.

Noise cancelling headphones are increasing in popularity. These headphones block out environmental sounds, allowing you to hear clear audio, reducing your temptation to turn the volume up. Alternatively, you can use regular cushioned headphones when listening to your favourite song or watching your favourite movie or series on your personal device.

4. Treat yourself to foods that are good for your hearing.

Potassium regulates the fluid in your inner ear, which is important because, as we age, our inner ear fluid levels tend to drop which can contribute to hearing loss or presbycusis.

Bananas are the perfect potassium-rich, on-the-go snack with 12% of your daily potassium value. Avocado presents even more health benefits that your ears will love. One whole avocado will give you 30% of your daily potassium, 22% of your daily folate and 15% of your daily magnesium!

Three ounces of salmon will give you 42% of your daily recommended omega-3s. Omega 3s could help reduce the risk of age-related hearing loss by over 40%. Omega 3s can also help brain function, sending signals between your brain and ears more effectively.

Spinach is a powerhouse for hearing health. One cup of spinach has 65% of your daily folate value, 24% of your daily potassium value, 40% of your daily magnesium value and is also a good source of Zinc.

5. Try some self pampering.

Pampering can help you relax, and your hearing is at its best when you are relaxed. So, take a nice, long soak in the tub and bust out a face mask, (and some cucumber slices too,) for the ultimate at-home spa experience. This is a stressful time; the perfect time to show yourself some love!

6. Rest, relax and spend quality time with family.

Now’s the time to plant yourself on the couch with some popcorn and hot chocolate and take an entire day to watch your favourite movie or show with your family. The simple things, like Love and care, can do wonders for your health, hearing included.

7. Share a romantic moment.

Dance away to your favourite tunes with your partner or cook a romantic meal for a perfect candlelit dinner at home. These are perfect opportunities to communicate with your loved one without all the distractions of everyday life.

8. Connect with loved ones using technology.

We’re living in some seriously digital times. All this technology has some pretty cool advantages! If you wear Bluetooth® hearing aids, connect them to your smartphone or tablet and catch up with a long-distance friend or family member with a phone call or Skype session.

Your loved one will be happy that you thought to call, and the gab session will boost your spirits, especially if you’re feeling lonely. Try playing a game with them over the phone; FaceTime makes this super easy to do.

If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing loss, take our FREE online hearing test. It’s quick and easy, and you can do it from the comfort of your home.

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