6 habits that can damage your ear

The ear is an organ divided into three parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Proper care is as important as for any other body part, but certain habits can damage the ear. Whether you know it or not, if they persist, they can lead to hearing loss. 

Although genetics or ageing can lead to ear problems, the habits discussed below are what you have absolute control over.

1. Smoking

Smoking is an act that has a significant impact on a human’s hearing capacity. This becomes very effective as you age when it controls how blood circulates. Also, a single cigarette can expose you to different chemicals that can damage cells in your inner ear. 

2. Inattention to ear infections

You can completely damage your ear if you ignore signs of infection. Although it can be temporary, severe or chronic infections can result in permanent hearing loss. The best is to see an audiologist to ensure you’re not at risk.

3. Excessive use of headphones

Using headphones for a longer period everyday can affect your inner ear, especially when the volume is always at the maximum level. The loud noises that come out of it are unhealthy for your ears; limit the duration of use, and when you do, don’t use it for too long.

4. Exposing yourself to loud noise

Exposure to loud noises can slowly damage or harm your ear. Going to concerts or working in a construction environment requires protecting your ear from external sound by wearing hearing protection devices. 

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5. Drinking a lot

When you take too much alcohol, it damages your brain’s ability to interpret sound and creates toxicity for the inner ear, affecting the cochlea area or cells. In other words, the aspect of your brain responsible for the central auditory cortex, used in processing sounds, gets damaged, making it difficult to process sounds.

6. Lack of exercise

Do you move your body at all? Lack of exercise can lead to developing diabetes and disease, which can damage your hearing capability and hinder blood circulation. But regular exercise reduces the risk of being affected.