Have you heard? There's a hearing loss epidemic. The remedy will be music to your ears.
Whether you’re rocking out to your favorite workout playlist, getting as close as possible to the stage at a live music event, crushing a video game opponent or just drowning out your coworkers, be kind to your ears.
Loud music, traffic or construction noise, firecrackers and some power tools can all put your hearing at risk. High noise levels over a period of time, and even a single loud bang, can cause damage.
The World Health Organization estimates that more than a billion people, ages 12 to 25, are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening. Older adults aren't immune to bad habits, either.
Hearing loss has ripple effects. In children it can cause delayed language development. Over time, it can even lead to feelings of isolation, depression and even a higher chance of unemployment.
Protect your hearing, and your kids' hearing, because the damage can't be reversed. Here are some things you can do:
- Give your ears time to rest as much as possible. Enjoy some silence around the house, and ditch the headphones while you walk.
- Use ear protection while using power tools, vacuuming, working at a loud site, attending loud concerts and while playing a loud instrument. You can find ear plugs that help you still hear what you need and block damaging sound waves. Use well-fitted, and if possible, noise-cancelling earphones or headphones.
- Listen to headphones at a safe level. Smart phones usually have settings for safe listening, so check yours.
- Get regular hearing checkups.
- Remember what you learned as a kid and never stick anything into your ear canal smaller than your elbow. DIY removal of ear wax and foreign objects can damage ears, so get medical help. Don't use cotton swabs, toothpicks, hairpins or matches to clean the ear canal. Home remedies like oils and ear candles are ineffective and can even cause harm.
- Never blow your nose violently. Blow it without adding pressure to either nostril and with your mouth open.
- Avoid hitting your ears.
- Children's ears are particularly sensitive and need extra care. Protect them with earmuffs and quiet time after a noisy event.
Your HealthSelect of Texas® medical plans include benefits for childhood screenings for hearing loss, visits to hearing specialists and coverage for prescription hearing aids and durable medical equipment such as cochlear implants. TexFlexSM flexible spending account (FSA) funds can be used to pay for medical copays, over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids and other devices or assistance.
If you need help understanding your benefits or finding a health care provider, you can call a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Personal Health Assistant toll-free at (800) 252-8039 (TTY: 711), Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control
World Health Organization
Texas Department of State Health Services
DW News