How to keep your eyes and ears healthy in 2022

As we head into February, we are all still looking to make small improvements in our lives. So what’s a better healthy living resolution than paying closer attention to your ear and eye health?

Here are six ways to keep your vision and hearing tip-top in 2022.

1. Turn down the volume

Do you love listening to loud music? It might be damaging your ears. If you listen to music with earphones or headphones, the general rule of thumb is to listen at 60% volume or below to avoid hearing damage.

Another great way to protect your ears from loud noises is to wear specialist earplugs. These will help you turn down the volume at fireworks displays or music concerts - without affecting the clarity of the sound.

2. Stop using cotton buds!

If you’re still using cotton buds to clean your ears, it’s time to stop. Poking things in your ears can cause infections, itchiness, tinnitus, earaches and even permanent hearing loss. Earwax will find its own way out of your ears – it doesn’t need help.

If you have a build-up of earwax, turn instead to a hearing care professional. At Leightons, we can help you remove a build-up of wax with microsuction and irrigation techniques that won’t harm your ears.

3. Wear sunglasses

Now for some eye care advice. This one might seem obvious, but did you know it’s just as important to wear sunglasses in the winter as in the summer? Just because it’s not hot outside, doesn’t mean UV rays from the sun can’t damage your eyes.

Choose a quality pair of sunglasses that are CE marked and offer at least 99% UVB and 95% UVA ray protection. Take a look at some of our favourite brands here.

4. Limit screen time

Remember when you were little and your mum told you watching TV too long would hurt your eyes? Well, she wasn’t wrong. Staring too long at a screen – whether that’s the telly, a computer or your phone – can cause eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes.

Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet (6 metres) away.

5. Have a check-up

It’s essential to get regular ear and eye check-ups to monitor your ear and eye health. This way you’ll be able to detect any early signs of hearing or sight loss and help prevent any serious problems from developing.

6. Adopt a healthy diet

Both your eyes and ears need good nutrition. A healthy diet is essential for healthy living and healthy ears. Bananas, almonds, cashews nuts, spinach, broccoli, asparagus and oranges are all great for your hearing.*

For your eyes, fruits and vegetables including spinach, red peppers, kale, leeks, avocado, peaches and blueberries can help to protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD).**

Book an eye examination and hearing test today

Want to make extra sure your vision and hearing are in the best possible condition? Book an eye examination and hearing assessment with us at Leightons.

You can call us on 0800 40 20 20 or book online to make an appointment.

*https://www.thcp.co.uk/articles/4-foods-to-help-boost-your-hearing-this-summer
** https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/content/ten-steps-healthy-eyes