(ARA) – Hearing loss affects more than 34 million Americans. If detected early, it may be a preventable chronic disease. Here are 10 ways to help prevent, delay or reduce the extent of hearing loss.

1  Reduce exposure to loud noises.

2  Take care when using cotton swabs. Don’t use them to clean inside your ear canal. It can push the earwax in further and you could puncture your eardrum.

3  Quit smoking.

4  Eating a healthy diet, maintaining proper weight and daily exercise can help you avoid type 2 diabetes.

5  Avoid excessive use of alcohol.

6  Avoid organic solvents.

7  Avoid medications that may cause hearing loss.

8  Consume enough antioxidants.

9  Maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

10  See an audiologist.
“By offering free hearing screenings throughout the United States, we have the ability to reach many Americans who might otherwise not have access to licensed audiologists, says Dr. Kathy Landau Goodman, chairperson of the Audiology Awareness Campaign. “If you think you’re experiencing hearing loss, an audiologist will help you receive a diagnosis, and then make appropriate recommendations for treating any hearing problems.”