How to Prevent Hearing Loss & Reduce Its Impact

Losing your hearing can begin at any age. The number of Americans with the condition between 45 and 64 years has significantly increased since 1971, based on figures from the National Academy on Aging and Society. But much more often, it is in older adults: about 40 percent of America’s 20 million sufferers are 65 years old or older.

Preventing hearing loss

Hearing loss does not automatically imply aging, contrary to popular belief. Some hearing loss occurs much younger, mostly due to exposure to noise. Called Noise-induced Hearing loss, this is the one type that can be prevented.

We measure noise levels in units called decibels (dB). The louder the noise. Any sound over 85dB can be harmful, especially if you’re exposed to it for a long time.

Here are some common noises and how loud they are in terms of decibels:

• Whispering – 30dB
• Conversation – 60dB
• Heavy traffic – 70 to 85dB
• Motorbike – 90dB
• Playing your favourite song through your headphones – 100 to 110dB
• Plane taking off – 120dB

You can usually tell whether the noise around you is too noisy even without a sound measuring device. If you or others need to scream out to be heard, the sound is too loud and can impair your hearing over time.

Here are some ways in which you can best prevent hearing loss and be able to preserve your hearing into old age.

Avoid noise

It’s an absolute priority to maintain your hearing — and avoid unnecessary damage to your ears. Smartphone apps that calculate noise levels are available. Once the noisy sound has been detected, take noise control measures:

1. Move or stay far from the loudest source of the music, such as loudspeakers or cannons, especially if you attend with children.
2. Turn the TV, radio, or music volume down.
3. Take brief breaks if you listen to loud music.
4. Whenever they are available, use quieter technology (electricity devices, toys, recreational vehicles).

Protect yourself

Prepare to use hearing protection like earmuffs and earplugs if noisy sounds are around, but there is no way to avoid the area. Examples of places like these include sports stadiums, public events, and concerts.
When you work in a noisy place, such as a blow dryer hair salon in continuous use, or an area with music buzzing in the background, find out whether your employer can help you with some protective devices.
When off work, buy some yourself and take your hearing protection devices wherever you go.

Be careful with your recreational activities

Hunting, using power tools, and watching rock shows can harm your hearing over time. Ask yourself which of your recreational activities re most likely to harm your hearing. For many people, it is music that is most likely to damage hearing, but other active pursuits which should carry the same warning are motorcycling, recreational shooting, and water sports.

Practice safe ear cleanings

Do not clean your ears using cotton swabs. This action can force wax onto your tubers and increase wax production and damage the tubers. An excess of wax can cause a conductive hearing loss. To avoid ear infections, do not wash with unclean water.

Keep your blood pressure under control

The delicate structures that help you hear can be harmed by high blood pressure and heart disease. It is generally a good health tip to manage your blood pressure, but maintaining hearing health is another reason why you should.

Get your hearing tested regularly

Get tested regularly if you are concerned that your hearing may be compromised. The earlier you detect a loss of hearing, the sooner something can be done. If you are at higher risk of noise-induced hearing loss–if you are a singer, for example, or if you work in a noisy environment–we recommend routine hearing tests once a year.

Only once we lose our hearing to we profoundly realize how important it is, well-fitted hearing aids can be an effective way to recover sounds lost and engage in a variety of social activities. Multiple studies showed that the outcome is happier lives for those who tackle their hearing loss. But prevention is always better than the cure.