The Amish are known to have excellent immunity to infections, and particularly good senses, especially good hearing. Is there any truth to these claims? They certainly do seem to have great all-around health. But why do the Amish have perfect hearing, and how can you have the same?
It’s time to uncover the facts about the Amish and hearing. You’ll learn more about how the Amish lifestyle contributes to stronger hearing in this Amish lifestyle guide. We’ve also included some tips on how you can protect your own hearing, just like the Amish do. So listen up, because it’s time to hear all about it.
What this article covers:
- Do the Amish Really Have Perfect Hearing?
- Why Do the Amish Have Such Good Hearing?
- What Healthy Habits Contribute to Amish Health?
- Tips for Having Good Hearing Like the Amish
Do the Amish Really Have Perfect Hearing?
Where does the belief that the Amish have perfect hearing come from?
Do the Amish have good hearing?
Yes, they do have good hearing. In fact, they have very good health in general.
But the story about why they are associated with preventing hearing loss gets a little bit complicated. Let’s explain.
A product touted as the “Amish recipe for hearing loss’ is the likely origin of this belief. The Amish have not produced a cure for hearing loss. They have unfortunately had their name appropriated by unscrupulous con artists, and it’s not the only time this has happened.
Sadly, ill-intentioned people out to make a quick buck see the Amish as the ideal target because they won’t engage in a court battle to refute any such claims. But why did these fraudsters even think to use the Amish’s good reputation to boost sales, in the first place?
The correlation between the Amish and hearing loss cures almost certainly arose because the Amish are already known to have good hearing. But why do they have such good hearing, anyway?
Why Do the Amish Have Such Good Hearing?
While genetics may play a role, the more likely answer to the question of why Amish have good hearing is their healthy lifestyle.
Non-Amish people have come to accept that hearing loss is an inevitable part of the aging process, but this doesn’t seem to be the case for the Amish, at least, not to the same extent.
The reasons for this are simple. The Amish live very uncomplicated lives, away from urban developments with their modern technologies.
And this is what makes all the difference to their all-around health, including their hearing.
Two major factors aren’t present in Amish communities. Although they’re common in the outside world, these factors are known causes of hearing problems.
No Excessively Loud Noises
A common feature of urban life, and modern lifestyles, is loud noise. Think about all the noise from construction, mechanization, and traffic. Not to mention occupational noise on industrial sites and even the impact of loud rock music on delicate eardrums.
It all takes its toll, and some people may be more exposed to this cumulative noise effect than others. But the Amish has no such concerns, as they live far from urban centers and don’t use these forms of mechanization and technology.
No Smog And Pollution
Another sad reality of urban living is smog and other air pollution. Air pollutants, and even second-hand cigarette smoke or exhaust fumes, can all contribute to hearing problems. The toxic chemicals released in smoke and fumes damage the hair cells lining the cochlea, one of two main structures in the inner ear.
Of course, the Amish don’t have to worry about any of these issues, thanks to the Amish beliefs in healthcare. As they breathe in fresh, clean air out in the countryside and don’t practice the behaviors that pollute. This means that they not only look after the environment but also their hearing.
What Healthy Habits Contribute to Amish Health?
Three healthy habits of the Amish can be singled out as contributing to their good health and good hearing. And what’s more, they’re backed by the findings in scientific research into hearing loss.
Isolation In The Countryside/Avoidance Of Technology
Living separately from urban areas and resisting the temptations of technology is part and parcel of being Amish. And while ‘outsiders’, or ‘English’ as the Amish say, may not fully understand the reasoning behind it, you’re sure to understand this result.
By avoiding technology like automobiles, mechanized farm equipment, industrial machinery, and even household electrical appliances – the Amish are not exposed to the loud noise these technologies make.
Their young folk also don’t go to those loud rock concerts or nightclubs that most urban teens love. You’d be hard-pressed to find urban Americans under the age of 40 who don’t love blasting music through headphones and earphones, and that’s been a source of poor hearing since they became everyday items.
This means the Amish are protected against the kind of hearing damage that’s caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise. It’s called noise-induced hearing loss and it’s a permanent form of hearing loss experienced by millions of Americans each year.
Healthy Food
The Amish eat very healthily. That’s why there’s not much interaction between Amish and doctors. They grow most of their food themselves, using hand-operated or animal-driven farming implements. They avoid alcohol, tobacco, and processed foods. They even have their recipe for Amish baby formula!
Can eating a healthy, well-balanced diet contribute to better hearing? Perhaps surprisingly, yes it can! Several vitamins have been linked to hearing, and science backs this up too.
A 2019 University study investigated how women consuming healthier diets had lower rates of hearing loss than those who consumed a less-healthy diet. So, it’s safe to assume that men would enjoy the same benefits. The findings were published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
They concluded that a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, and healthy proteins may lower the risk of hearing loss. (And who do we know that consistently eats healthily, even growing their own produce? The Amish, that’s who!)
In a follow-up study three years later, the study participants who had continued to eat healthily were 25% less likely to develop high-frequency hearing loss. And the researchers reported an almost 30% lower decline in mid-frequency hearing sensitivities among healthy eaters.
Physical Exercise
One Of the best Amish health secrets is that they exercise a lot. They work the land without mechanized farm equipment. They almost always walk or cycle to their friends and neighbors.
All this physical activity means they have excellent blood circulation. But, why is this so important? Well, good circulation not only improves heart health and general well-being, but it also improves your hearing.
Yes, you read that right. Blood flow plays a role in hearing. When blood circulation is good, blood pressure is also improved, and this helps your hearing.
In a study of men and women aged 45 to 64, researchers found a strong link between high blood pressure and age-related hearing loss. Hypertensive patients had a higher threshold below which they were unable to hear sounds.
Therefore, good blood circulation and blood pressure are key to good hearing. And thanks to their level of physical activity and their healthy diet, the Ami8sh have fewer circulation and hypertension issues than the general populace. The result? Better overall health, and better hearing, too!
Tips for Having Good Hearing Like the Amish
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get regular, physical exercise
- If you have hypertension, speak to your doctor about getting it under control
- Cover your ears with protective gear if you work in construction or a loud factory
- Get out into the countryside more often
- If you live in a highly polluted area, consider moving
- Avoid prolonged wearing of headphones playing loud music
Admittedly, some of these tips are easier to implement than others. But most people can start exercising and eating healthily. All it takes is some willpower.
Get yourself a bicycle and cycle around the park or to the store. Don’t forget to attach a handy wicker bike basket, available here at Amish Baskets. Your pet poodle can even go along for the ride!
Take your larger dog for walks in the park. It’s a great exercise for both of you. And your pet will sleep soundly afterwards in a wicker dog bed. Go on, your furry friend deserves a treat for helping you stay in shape.
If you don’t have any pets to exercise with, you can still enjoy a walk to the local health store or farmer’s market with a friend. We have the perfect handmade farmers’ market basket for your fruits and veggies.
Don’t forget to order some of our woven storage baskets for shelves in your kitchen or pantry. Handmade by the Amish themselves, they are the ideal storage solution for all that healthy produce.
If your teens simply must attend that loud outdoor concert, pack a healthy lunch for them to take with them. Our cute picnic basket is the ideal container for that packed lunch.
Conclusion
The Amish community is a wealth of information, having lived off the land and relied on folk remedies, for centuries. One of the benefits of their isolated lifestyle, far from the hustle and bustle and noise of urban life, is good hearing.
You may not choose to live in isolation like the Amish do, but that doesn’t mean you can’t seek to improve your health. Let the Amish be an inspiration to you, and take the steps you need to, today, improve your health.
Did You Find Our Blog Helpful? Then Consider Checking:
