Important Habits to Protect Your Ear Health and Hearing

Published on: 12 June 2018 Last Updated on: 03 March 2021

Hearing loss isn’t always something that can be prevented. Sometimes loss of hearing is just something that happens as you get older.

But in an increasingly loud and busy world, hearing loss might be caused early or worsened by the environment around you.

And once you’re hearing is gone, it can be gone for good.

Can you imagine life without being able to hear? It’s a scary thought for many and should be. And yet, very few of us take the proper precautions in protecting our ears and our hearing.

That changes now. If you’re committed to the concept of ear health and protecting your hearing, read on. We’ll discuss several ways to help ensure that your hearing stays strong and true for many years to come.

The Case For Earplugs :

You likely rolled your eyes back in your youth when your parents advised you to wear earplugs to that rock and roll concert. But they were on to something.

Approximately 15% of Americans lose hearing as a result of too-loud work or leisure environments. If you work or spend lots of time in an environment where the sound level forces you to shout to be able to communicate, it’s likely that the sound levels there are dangerously high. This loudness could be due to a concert or club, or even more often, due to some form of loud and consistent machinery.

If you know that you spend many hours around this kind of noise level, you should absolutely invest in a good pair of earplugs. Earplugs are easy to obtain, generally affordable, and can even be made individualized for your ears upon request. They can dampen the level of sound coming in from your environment by a significant margin, helping to curb the possible loss of hearing.

Keep The Volume Low :

According to the World Health Organization, over a billion people each year are at risk of hearing loss due to the unsafe use of audio devices. Earbuds, like the popular headphones designed by Apple, are especially dangerous for ear health as they fit directly into the eardrum.

If you’re a music lover, you probably spend a lot of time listening to music on headphones. If you care about the health of your ears, though, you should make an effort to keep the volume at a lower level. Doctors recommend a philosophy they’ve dubbed the 60/60 rule. The rule is a recommendation that you listen to music through headphones at 60% volume for less than 60 minutes a day for the benefit of your hearing.

Even when not listening to headphones, you should aim to keep music played at a normal level to ensure long-lasting ear health.

Avoid Cotton Swabs :

One of the most common items in any household bathroom cabinet is a jar of cotton swabs. These little tools have been used by people to clean out ear wax for years and years, but it’s only more recently that their nefarious reputation has begun to reach the public.

It actually turns out that a little wax in the ears is both healthy and normal. Ears are self-cleaning organs and the wax in your ears actually serves to prevent dust and other particles from entering your eardrum.

If you do have excess wax, it is not advisable that you use a cotton swab. You can very easily damage your eardrum by using a cotton swab. Instead, considering using a damp towel to gently clean around the canal.

There are also various ear wax solutions that are available in stores. These are applied to the ears overnight and can help to dissolve and soften ear wax so that it can flow out of the inner ear on its own.

Keep Your Ears Dry :

Another frequent cause of ear damage is extra moisture. Excess moisture can allow bacteria to enter the ear canal and cause serious problems, such as a swimmer’s ear or other infections.

Following swims at the pool or beach, showers or baths, or any other water-related activity, you should be sure to gently towel-dry your ears. If you can feel the moisture in your ear following swimming or bathing, tilt your head to the side and tug lightly on your eardrum to help water drain out.

There are also specially designed swimmer’s earplugs available on the market, which can help prevent water from entering your eardrum during a swim. They work great for any age, kids or adults, and can be individually fitted for your ear by a licensed physician.

Consider Getting Regular Check-Ups :

Especially as you get older, you should ask your physician to incorporate hearing screenings into your regular checkups. Hearing loss doesn’t happen in a flash of light, it is a very gradual process. It’s recommended, then, that you have yearly consultations with a hearing healthcare professional, who can recognize the signs of hearing loss while it is still in the early stages.

Taking action against hearing loss is important, as is discussing it with your doctor. Loss of hearing has been linked to other health concerns such as depression, dementia, and heart disease. Establishing a relationship with your doctor in regards to ear health early on can contribute to better overall health later on.

If you do find yourself losing hearing, you should ensure to invest in a proper hearing aid. With all the advances in rechargeable hearing aids over the past few years, they now serve people with hearing impairment much better. A well-designed hearing aid can help improve the quality of life for someone who has lost hearing and can stave off the other health issues previously mentioned. If you’re interested in the best hearing aids on the market, you can learn more here.

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Seizure Disorders: How To Recognize, Respond, And Provide Help

With the regular electrical activity of the human brain, electrical impulses are coordinately discharged to the nerves, muscles, and the spinal cord. However, seizure disorders may arise when the brain's electrical activity is disrupted. The most common picture of someone having a seizure is losing consciousness and uncontrollable shaking. Seeing someone with these symptoms could be terrifying, but by knowing more about these conditions, you can recognize, respond, and even provide help and support to the affected individuals. Understanding Seizures and Seizure Disorders There are two major types of seizures: epileptic and non-epileptic. Epileptic seizures are unprovoked seizures that happen without a trigger. It’s also commonly called epilepsy. Factors that may have caused epilepsy include stroke, tumors, and structural abnormalities, among other brain disorders. The condition is called “symptomatic epilepsy.” This condition commonly affects newborn and old individuals. To manage this condition, a healthcare professional may first prescribe you low-dosage medications like Klonopin. Your doctor may adjust the dosage until your seizures are well controlled. To save on this medication, check out Klonopin Discount Coupon you may use in many pharmacies across the county. Conversely, non-epileptic seizures are provoked by temporary conditions that irritate the brain. The triggers could vary from a head injury, a reaction to a drug, or an allergy. Individuals already diagnosed with a seizure disorder are more likely to get seizures if they are sleep-deprived, intoxicated, under excess emotional or physical stress, or if they have suddenly stopped drinking or using sedatives. Recognizing the Signs of a Seizure A person about to have a seizure will feel what they call an “aura” or unusual sensations. The symptoms may include butterflies in the stomach, abnormal smells and tastes, déjà vu, jamais vu, and an intense feeling that a seizure is about to happen. Phases of a Seizure A seizure has three phases: aura and prodrome (beginning), ictal (middle), and postictal (end). The beginning phase includes the prodrome stage beside the aura. In this phase, an individual about to get a seizure will experience anxiety, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, lightheadedness, and difficulty staying focused. In the middle phase, also called “ictal,” common signs include memory lapse, confusion, twitching, loss of muscle control, body convulsions, trouble breathing, repeated movements, and racing heart, among other signs. In the last phase, or “postictal,” the epileptic person would experience fatigue, headache, confusion, lack of consciousness, shame, sore muscles, and thirst, among other experiences. Responding to Seizures: Dos and Don’ts It is safe to offer help if you have mastered the guide on responding to the situation and know what to avoid when offering support. Equip yourself with knowledge by reading this guide: Dos To help someone with a seizure, here are safe things you can do: Compose yourself Set a cushion to support their head Check if they have an epilepsy card or any identification that can help you with your next steps Remove any obstructions in the area that can injure them Lay them on their side Loosen their collar and other tight clothing Record how long the convulsions lasted Place them in a recovery position when the convulsions stopped Don’ts These are the things you shouldn't do when helping an epileptic individual: Do not put anything between their teeth during convulsions Do not hold down the person Do not feed them or give them a beverage Do not leave them Providing First Aid During a Seizure You must ensure a safe environment and remove any potential hazards when providing first aid. For instance, if the person is in the middle of the road, you should move them, but if they are in an enclosed space, don’t try to carry them and transfer them to a bed. Just clear the space by removing the furniture away from the person. As you ease the person to the floor, you can slowly turn them into one side to help them breathe. If the person is wearing glasses, remove them from their face. You should also time the seizure and call an emergency team if it persists after five minutes. A first aid & CPR course teaches an individual how to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, providing immediate assistance until professional help arrives. It’s also important to observe them while having seizures so you can give the medical team more information on what happened. Seeking Medical Attention and Diagnosis To detect the cause of seizures and diagnose epilepsy, one must undergo evaluations like a neurological exam, blood tests, and genetic testing. To know more about these tests, read the information below: ● Neurological Exam This evaluation covers testing a person’s motor abilities, behavior, and mental functions, among other areas. This could help your doctor determine what type of epilepsy you may have and diagnose your condition. ● Blood Tests With blood tests, your doctor can detect if you have infections or genetic conditions that may have caused the seizures. ● Generic Testing Generic Testing is commonly administered to children to give more information about the condition so doctors can come up with ways to treat it. Conclusion Some epileptic individuals feel embarrassed about their conditions, as some still think that epilepsy is contagious or something that makes a person less capable of doing things and thinking on their own. Through this blog, we hope many would promote epilepsy and seizure disorder awareness, debunk misconceptions about this condition, and willingly offer help to individuals with epilepsy. Read Also: What Is TMJ Disorder and How Can You Remedy This Condition Symptoms and Effects of Co-occurring Disorder on Human Health Language and Speech Disorders in Children: How Speech Therapists Can Help

Releasing Stress Even if You Don’t Leave Home

You don’t need to go elsewhere if you feel like you want to release stress. At home, you can do things to help you forget what stresses you out. Don’t let stress consume you. It is possible to suffer from illnesses because you can’t manage your stress levels. These are great ideas you can do now. Meditate: Meditation helps in releasing anxiety. You need a few minutes of meditation each day to clear your thoughts. Several things consume your mind, both positive and negative. When you meditate, you forget all of them, and you start over again. It is quite simple to meditate as there are different strategies to follow. The easiest one is to sit with both of your feet on the floor. You may also walk around focusing only on your steps, and not on anything else. It might be difficult to concentrate at first, but once you get the hang of it, you will love regular meditation. Reach out: You don't need to bear your cross alone. Some people can help you deal with your problem. Reach out to them via social media. Give them a call if need be. Let them know that you have a problem, and ask if they are willing to listen. Talking to them allows you to have a better perspective on life. Real friends will be there for you. It is not even a requirement for them to tell you what to do. Having someone listen to you when you are down is sometimes enough. Try to decompress: You can put a warm heat wrap on your shoulder or neck area. Let the wrap stay there for about 10 minutes and then shut your eyes and rest for some time. After 10 minutes, take off the wrap and massage the area. Do it at least once a day to stop tension in your body. Watch funny shows: As always, laughter is the best medicine, and when you feel stressed, laughter helps a lot. Check your favorite TV shows. You might be missing out on the latest episodes, and now is your chance to catch up. If you don't want to watch TV shows, find other ways to lighten your mood. Chatting with someone who can give you a smile is also a great idea. Clean up: Some people hate cleaning the house, but for others, it is a way of releasing stress. Perhaps, it will help if you spend time cleaning up your place. Aside from enabling you to relax, it also keeps your surroundings clean. You can even feel more relaxed if you have a lovely environment. Shop online: Take time to shop without leaving home. There are a lot of online stores for you to purchase almost anything you want. If you need new furniture at home, you can check out furniture on credit online. Compare the choices and find something that fits your home perfectly. Shopping is therapeutic, and if you are a shopaholic, you need a few minutes of shopping time in your life. The goal is to help you deal with stress. It does not require you to leave home to relax. With these activities you can do at home, you can soon say goodbye to stress. Read Also: Unhealthy And Healthy Solutions For Coping With Stress Bed Time Yoga To Sleep Well

Best Paying Jobs In Medical/Dental Instruments

So, you are looking for the best paying jobs in medical/dental instruments. You must know that medical/dental instruments have so many different professions. There are jobs where people have to sell devices, and starting with selling devices, they become experts in using those devices. So, there are a lot of opportunities to do a job in this industry, as you must know that the industry is one of the highest paying industries. In this article, we will focus on this industry. Medical/Dental Instruments: Is It A Good Career Path? So, the answer to this question is Yes. It is a brilliant profession with human interaction, and longevity, and there are also new challenges that come every day. The industry or field is huge, there are a lot of different opportunities with different factors that you will definitely like. You can get into the manufacturing department, you can go for the sales, or you can run equipment or on the technical side as well. There are so many different jobs and opportunities where you can venture. And people also choose this industry for pursuing their careers. First of all, there are people who have the desire and wish to work in this industry, secondly people who are working in this industry make a good living with the money and work-life balance they get. They can spend enough time with their family. One of the reasons is that the work is quite challenging, and they enjoy what they do. Last but not least, a career is one of the careers where you can help other people to live a better life. You are doing something that provides saving lives and heals people. So, overall, you are getting security, a decent amount of money, and stability which are definitely important. Medical/Dental Instruments: How To Get A Job Before getting into the best paying jobs in this industry. Here are the ways that you need to go through if you are thinking or planning to get into this industry. The first thing is to get an educational qualification. That can be a diploma, or high school degree, or even a master's degree. The education will improve you to polish your skills and give you enough knowledge to do the proper work. The second thing that will help you for sure is to have the proper experience. Whether you have a degree or not, if you start from scratch and have specific expertise. Then you will get to know what is needed in this industry. Then that will become an advantage for you. Also, if you have a bonus, then that will boost your salary as well. Again, last but not least, you have to have the proper license for specific works. Some people say that when you want a green light from the federal government, then you have to have a license. This will enhance your skills and experience to qualify you to work in the medical/dental instrument industry. Best Paying Jobs In Medical/Dental Instruments Now, here are the best paying jobs in medical/dental instruments. 1. Medical Packager The job is required in manufacturing. There is a need for safety and security, also you don’t need any degree or proper education to get into this job. 2. Asset Management Technician You can find these professionals working in hospitals. There are requirements for a proper degree as well. 3. Dental Assistant An assistant of a dentist can earn $75,000 per year, according to many reports. You need proper education and skills, otherwise there is no way to get into this job. 4. Repair Technician There are large hospitals where technicians are needed, and they make between $45,000 to $55,000 per annum. 5. Audiologist These professionals take care of issues which are related to hearing. Here is a chance to earn $95,000 yearly. 6. Respiratory Therapist This job is related to pulmonary disorders. These therapists can make $90,000 per year. 7. Nuclear Medicine Technologist This job is highly linked to technology, and there is a possibility that you can make around $100,000 per year. 8. Warehouse Worker There are also other works which need to be done. This is an easy job with an annual salary of about $30,000. 9. Quality Assurance Engineer This job is in highly demanded as these engineers provide quality and they check if there are any issues or not. 10. Chiropractors This field is related to joints, muscles, back pain, or any sort of pain in bones, tissues, or muscles. The average salary is around $90,000 yearly. 11. Medical Device Engineer This is one of the best and most significant roles in this industry, as they are responsible for reassembling, troubleshooting, and disassembling. 12. Medical Instrument Sales This is a broad category where people have a great opportunity to make enough money as a beginner. 13. Orthodontist This field has to support dentists and support them while aligning, straightening, and even replacing. The average salary is around $200,000 per year. 14. Sterile Processing Tech There are jobs where people need to take care of the process, and they make around $50,000 per year. 15. Surgeon Being a surgeon is one of the career opportunities who use instruments and is one of the best paying jobs, they can make around $360,000 yearly. 16. Optometrists The main role that optometrists do is to check individuals' eyes. You can make around $125,782 per year. 17. Medical/Dental Instrument Sales This is an entry-level position, but if you are joining this role, you might earn a decent amount of money. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Here are some interesting questions and answers about Medical/dental instrument jobs. 1. What Is The Highest Paying Job In The Dental Industry? Ans: Here are some high paying dental jobs where you can pursue a career.a. Oral Surgeon ($255,500- $400,000)b. Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon ($260,500- $390,000)c. Orthodontist ($250,500- $375,000)d. Endodontist ($245,000- $385,000)e. Periodontist f. Pedodontisth. Prosthodontist i. Pediatric Dentist 2. What Is The Best Career In Dentistry? Ans: When it comes to the best career in dentistry, there is no doubt that Prosthodontics is the best career in the dental industry in terms of the highest pay. They basically specialize in reconstructive in dental work like dentures and bridges. They also check dental implants and crowns. What Age Do Dentists Retire? Ans: Recently there was a report by the American Dental Association on the national income and retirement study of dentists. They found that, on average, dentists retire at the age of 69. After that, Gallup reported another survey on the general population. So, it can be concluded that American dentists retire at the age of 62. Final Words So, you get almost every small to considerable detail about the best paying jobs in medical/dental instruments and almost every other information that can be beneficial for you to start your career. But do you know how to get into this industry? You need to have at least a bachelor’s degree to work in this industry. Other than having a formal degree, you need to have a specialized license to start legal practice. If you have anything to know more about, feel free to reach us through the comment section. Thank You. Read Also: Best Paying Jobs In Electric Utilities Central Best Paying Jobs In Industrial Machinery/Components How Many Jobs Are Available In Major Pharmaceuticals? How Many Jobs Are Available In Telecommunications Equipment?