The start of a New Year is a time when many of us look to improve things in our
lives that we’re not happy about. If you’re conscious that your hearing may have
deteriorated (perhaps because other people have commented that you seem to be missing what they say, or because you’re avoiding certain situations with loud background noise), then make 2021 the year that you #LOVEYOURHEARING.

Check out our top hearing resolutions for the New Year:

DON’T IGNORE THE SIGNS

While everyone experiences hearing loss differently, there are certain tell-tale sounds to watch out for. Often the earliest sign of hearing loss is having to ask people to repeat themselves, or feeling that you need to turn up the volume when listening to music or watching the TV.
You may find that you battle to enjoy conversations in busy
places like coffee shops, or that sounds that used to be clear now seem muffled.

LISTEN TO WHAT YOUR EARS ARE TELLING YOU

If you frequently get earache, then this could indicate any one of a number of health issues – all of which you should get addressed sooner rather than later. Earache may be a sign that you have an ear infection or a build-up of wax in your ear.
In both cases, booking an appointment at Hearing Works is a great first step.

DITCH THE COTTON BUDS

As a general rule, you should avoid poking anything into your ear – even your fingers. Small, pointed objects like cotton buds are a real problem. They can cause damage to the delicate middle ear or eardrum if you push them too far, and this in turn can lead to infections. Earwax is actually a perfectly natural substance that helps
protect your ears and keep them clean, so don’t obsess over continuously trying to remove it. Another reason to not use cotton buds is that they’re single-use plastics that can end up as plastic pollution in the ocean.

TURN IT DOWN

Listening to music at too high a volume, for too long, can cause hearing damage. That’s especially true if you use headphones. Wearing headphones can increase the levels of bacteria in your ears, and also exacerbate the impact on your hearing as the sounds are delivered straight into your ears.
If you do listen to music through headphones, taking a
10-minute break every hour can help reduce the risk of hearing damage.

KEEP THEM DRY

After swimming, showering or taking a bath, it’s important to dry your ears thoroughly. If you let water remain in your ears, you can end up with swimmer’s ear or other infections. Tilting your head from side to side can further help to release any trapped water.
You might also want to consider using ear plugs, Especially when swimming.

RELAX!

Believe it or not, high stress levels can contribute to hearing conditions like tinnitus (persistent ringing in your ears). Getting more exercise can also help lower your stress levels, and increased blood flow to your ears helps them operate more effectively.

HAVE A HEARING TEST

If you only make one hearing resolution for 2021, make sure it’s to book a hearing test at your nearest Hearing Work store. Our hearing care professionals can help identify any hearing issues you may be experiencing, and recommend customised treatment plans to help you enjoy every sound during 2021 – and beyond.

Your journey to new hearing devices – and improved sound quality in every area of your life – starts at your nearest Hearing Works Branch. Book an appointment for a comprehensive hearing test. Our hearing care professionals can then recommend devices based on your hearing profile, budget and lifestyle.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT