With age, many things change and many of our abilities come and unfortunately go. Climbing those stairs may take a little longer than before. Reading the fine print on the packaging may require a closer look. Remembering where we put the glasses can take a few minutes or require quite a long search (which can even end up finding us right on top of the head).

Yes, age can take its toll. This is true in many areas, including hearing. Hearing problems become more frequent with age as a result of both use and the simple passage of time. And with hearing loss comes adjustments. Some of these adjustments are conscious, like sitting a little closer to the stage in a play. Other of these tweaks are unconscious and, frankly, can be quite annoying.

Bad hearing habits can be quite annoying both for the hearing loss sufferer and for those around them. Take note of these three bad hearing habits you may have developed and make a change today.

1. Speaking out loud

While it may feel like you’re speaking at a very reasonable volume level, those around you may not always agree. People with hearing problems often compensate for their own problems and disabilities by speaking at extremely loud volumes, even when it is inappropriate. Think about people listening to mp3 players and having a conversation. Have you heard how loud they talk? You may be doing the same. Be sure to keep your voice volume under control and lower your voice when you feel it is necessary.

2. Increase the volume of the television

The volume on the television should only be so loud that the viewers can hear it. There’s no reason someone in another room should be able to hear what’s going on on the TV, let alone hear and understand the conversations that are going on. If you can hear and understand what is being said on your favorite show, the volume is loud enough. If you are having difficulty measuring, try simply turning the volume down until you can no longer hear what is happening. Turn the volume up a bit, but as soon as you can understand, stop. You shouldn’t have to yell to talk on TV.

3. Listen to music at full volume

In the age of the mp3 player and iPod, many of us spend several hours a day listening to our favorite songs. We listen to music while at the gym or on the train, often at extremely loud levels. These levels can be so high, in fact, that others can hear exactly what we’re hearing. Make an effort to lower the volume on your mp3 player. Make sacrifices where you can: If you love turning up the volume while you’re at the gym, invest in quality headphones so only you have to listen.

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