Maintaining good hearing health is crucial for overall wellbeing and quality of life. Here are five essential tips to help protect your hearing:
1. Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises
Exposure to loud sounds is one of the most common causes of hearing damage. Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones in noisy environments such as concerts, sporting events, or when using power tools. Remember, if you need to raise your voice to be heard, the environment is likely loud enough to potentially damage your hearing.
2. Keep the Volume Down
When using headphones or earbuds, follow the 60/60 rule: listen at no more than 60% of maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. Consider using headphones with noise-cancelling features, which allow you to hear content clearly without increasing the volume to overcome background noise.
3. Give Your Ears Time to Recover
Your ears need time to recover after exposure to loud noises. Sounds above 85 decibels can cause damage over time, and the louder the sound, the less time it takes to potentially harm your hearing. After attending a loud event, try to spend some time in quieter environments to allow your ears to rest.
4. Keep Your Ears Dry
Excess moisture in your ears can lead to bacterial infections, which may cause hearing problems. After swimming or bathing, gently dry your ears with a towel and tilt your head to help water drain out. If you swim frequently, consider using custom-fitted swimmers’ earplugs.
5. Get Regular Hearing Checkups
Just as you schedule regular eye exams or dental cleanings, make hearing screenings part of your healthcare routine. Adults should have their hearing tested at least once every 10 years until age 50, and then every 3 years afterward. If you work in a noisy environment or have a family history of hearing loss, more frequent checks may be recommended.
By following these simple tips, you can help protect your hearing health for years to come. If you have concerns about your hearing or notice any changes, please contact us to schedule an evaluation with one of our experienced audiologists.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.