Easy tricks to sharper hearing

Good news for the 42% of people over age 50 who are dealing with some form of hearing loss: Help is here! You don't have to miss a word at that special summer wedding or your family's backyard barbecue, thanks to a few simple, natural tips that hone your hearing and keep it sharp for years to come

- Jennifer Bringle  

Warm some olive oil

Earwax buildup can block the path of sound waves entering the ear canal. And summer pollen can worsen the issue by triggering a histamine response that increases wax production. The fix: Lie on your side and squeeze a few drops of warmed mineral or olive oil into your ear. After a few minutes, wipe away any residue and repeat on the opposite side. The oil softens hardened earwax so it can be cleared away naturally.