Do you take your ears for granted? It’s time to celebrate them!
Ears are something we might not give much thought to, but those two little organs hanging off the side of our heads deserve a lot more attention – and certainly more kudos – than we might be giving them.
May is Hearing Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to pamper, protect, and appreciate the important job your ears do for you every day.
Here are some ways you can give your ears a little extra love this month!
Learn how to protect your hearing
Sounds are harmful to your ears when they exceed 85 dB, which is similar to the loudness of heavy traffic. Wear ear protection like earplugs or headphones in noisy environments, make sure you never exceed 60% of your device’s maximum volume for more than 60 minutes a day, and take regular breaks if you do have to be in a loud space.
Know the signs of hearing loss
Early signs of hearing loss include difficulty following conversations in person and on the phone, trouble locating the source of sounds, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears), turning up the music and your TV louder than others think is necessary, and asking people to repeat themselves because it always sounds like they’re mumbling. If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, it’s time for a hearing test.
Discover the benefits of a hearing aid
Hearing loss can slowly begin to keep you from actively participating in everyday life. Wearing hearing aids can help you re-engage in the wonderful world around you by allowing you to hear conversations, music, and other beautiful sounds that you may have been missing. In fact, hearing aid wearers are three times more likely to be happier than those without them, and they also report feeling more connected to family.
Appreciate your ears
Go for a walk in nature and really listen to what’s happening around you. It’s amazing how beautiful the sounds of wind in the trees, a stream babbling nearby, and birds singing are when you really stop to notice them.
Support someone with hearing loss
Take time to learn more about their condition and how it impacts their everyday life so you can better understand how to support them. If you’re dating someone with hearing loss, think about what you might need to consider to help make connecting easier and more comfortable for both of you.
Prioritize your hearing by making it part of your self-care in Hearing Awareness Month. You can start loving your ears today by appreciating what they do for you and supporting someone on a better-hearing journey. ARTA members and their families are eligible for a free comprehensive hearing test at any HearingLife clinic near you, with no referral required*.
HearingLife has the largest network of hearing clinics with over 350 network clinics across Canada, offering hearing care services by certified hearing healthcare professionals. Visit the HearingLife page for more information.