4 Tips for Protecting Your Hearing if You Have Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. While it primarily manifests as a neurological symptom, studies have shown a possible connection between multiple sclerosis and hearing loss.
While this link is still being researched, it is believed that MS-related inflammation and damage to the nerves can affect the auditory pathways. Not everyone with MS will experience hearing loss but it’s necessary to take proactive action to preserve your hearing. Here are some valuable tips to consider:
Monitor Your Hearing Regularly
Schedule regular hearing evaluations with an audiologist. This will help to closely monitor any changes to your auditory functions and detect early signs of hearing loss. Hearing loss can develop gradually and its symptoms might go unnoticed in the early stages. The early detection allows for prompt intervention and management strategies to prevent the hearing loss to progress further.
Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises
Loud noises can exacerbate the risk of hearing loss and potentially worsen existing auditory problems. Avoid cranking up music volumes to high levels as it can strain your ears and increase the risk of damage. Aim for comfortable and moderate volume that allows you to clearly hear without discomfort.
Take intermittent breaks whenever you find yourself in a loud environment for a long period of time. Stepping away from the noise for a few minutes can provide your ears with some respite and lower the continuous effect of loud noises. Lastly, use earplugs or noise canceling headphones to reduce external noise. These are particularly useful in airplanes, public transportation, or noisy workplaces.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is vital especially for people with multiple sclerosis. Practices such as eating a balanced diet, regularly exercising, and managing stress levels boosts your immune system. This potentially reduces the risk of further hearing complications.
Consume foods high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, particularly omega-3 fatty acids such as nuts and seeds, to boost general health and well-being. Regular exercise is critical for maintaining auditory health because it increases blood flow and provides vital nutrients and oxygen to the auditory system. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, and incorporate physical activities into your daily routine such as walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing.
Reduce Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
You can significantly improve your hearing health by reducing drinking and smoking. Smoking damages the inner ear’s delicate hair cells, which are crucial to translating sound vibrations into electrical signals. Additionally, smoking constricts blood vessels, limiting the flow of vital supplies to the auditory system.
Alcohol, an ototoxic substance, negatively impacts speech processing, disrupts fluid balance, and causes detrimental effects on hearing. Consider asking for help from medical specialists, setting realistic goals, recognizing triggers and coming up with alternatives, creating a supportive environment, and placing a priority on general wellness if you want to protect your hearing.
Endnote
It’s vital for people with MS to be aware of the potential impact on their hearing and take the measure above to protect it. The connection between multiple sclerosis and hearing loss have been widely acknowledged, it’s evident that MS can cause hearing loss in some cases. By understanding the potential risks and adoptive preventive measures, it is possible to mitigate the impact of MS on hearing and maintain a good quality of life.
