Hearing loss is not always inevitable. In fact, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is entirely preventable. That said, it’s estimated that as much as 24% of the general adult population has some degree of NIHL, and it’s on the rise, especially among teenagers and young adults. Preventing NIHL and maintaining your overall hearing health is quite simple, and you can incorporate a few small habits into your daily life to keep your hearing safe.
Turn the Volume Down
We’ve all heard someone driving down the road, their car stereo blaring at top volume. Perhaps you’ve even been that person. However, prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can lead to NIHL, so this is inadvisable. The same is true for TV speakers, listening to music through headphones and any other audio. The general guidance is to keep the volume at 60% of its maximum level.
Wear Hearing Protection
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 25% of U.S. workers have been exposed to hazardous noise levels while at work. This is especially true in industries such as construction, manufacturing, machining, transportation, emergency services and mining. Even worse, over half of those workers do not wear hearing protection while at work, when they really ought to.
Also, occupational sound isn’t the only culprit for NIHL. Loud events, like concerts and sporting events, and even daily sounds, like traffic and lawn mowers, can take their toll on hearing health. In all these circumstances, it’s wise to wear hearing protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, to protect your hearing. There are even custom earmolds available that can do this effectively, fitting perfectly in your ear for maximum sound protection and comfort.
Don’t Use Cotton Swabs to Clean Your Ears
NIHL isn’t the only type of hearing loss to be on guard for. Conductive hearing loss—hearing loss caused by damage or dysfunction in the outer or middle ear—can be caused by earwax blockage. Earwax is naturally soft and sticky, but it can become compacted, like a snowball, and block the ear canal, preventing sounds from coming through.
The solution to earwax blockage is NOT to clean earwax out of your ears with a cotton swab. In fact, cotton swabs will push earwax back into the canal, which can lead to compaction. Earwax will shed naturally from the ears without you needing to clean them; however, if you must clean earwax out, you can use over-the-counter earwax softening drops.
When to See an Audiologist
These habits can help you protect your hearing and keep enjoying the sounds of life for many years. That said, not all hearing loss is preventable. Also, NIHL can still creep up despite your best efforts. If you notice any changes in your hearing, it’s time to visit a hearing health professional and get your hearing checked. Contact SH Audiology to learn more or schedule an appointment.