10 Ways to Hear a Pin Drop

Go for a Hike in the Woods

Not only will the silence help you focus better on sounds, but researchers find that physically fit people tend to have better hearing than those who aren’t in good shape. The reason? Aerobic exercise brings more oxygen into your system and improves blood flow to your ears.

Scoop Up the Guacamole

Guacamole is rich in magnesium. Studies find low levels of magnesium might make you more susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss.

Switch to Decaf coffee and Low-Sodium Soup

Caffeine appears to interfere with blood flow to the ear, while salt can lead to fluid retention, which can cause swelling in the functional organs of the ear. Plus, studies find that people with high blood pressure are more likely to have age-related hearing loss than those with normal pressures.

Avoid Cigarette Smoke

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the more exposure you receive to cigarette smoke, the more likely you are to experience age-related hearing loss.

Wear Earplugs

Studies find significantly increased hearing loss in people who pursue woodworking as a hobby, or ride motorcycles, snowmobiles, and other off-road vehicles. When engaging in noisy activities protect your ears.

Sip Some Beer or Wine

Believe it or not, moderate drinking can protect against age-related hearing loss. But excessive amounts may actually contribute to hearing loss.

Maintain Your Mouth

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss after every meal. For some reason, there’s a connection between the number of teeth you’ve lost and your hearing, with researchers finding that the more teeth you still have in your mouth in old age, the better your hearing.

Drink a Glass of Skim Milk Every Morning

The calcium and vitamin D found in milk are critical for keeping the bones in your ear, especially the cochlea, healthy. One study of 70 healthy women found that those with hearing loss had much lower spinal density (a measure of bone strength) and calcium intake than women with normal hearing.

Bake a Sweet Potato for Dinner Tonight

A wonderful source of vitamin A, it can also help your hearing because, according to animal studies, too little of this nutrient may increase the inner ear’s sensitivity to noise, thus potentially increasing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

Tape a Tennis Ball into the Back of Your Partner’s PJs

It’s a great way to prevent snoring. Some people who really saw wood produce about as much noise as a chain saw, or so it seems. Over time, that noise can damage your ears. Another option: Send the snoring one to the couch.