Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises

Exposure to loud noises is one of the leading causes of hearing damage (WHO, 2021). When subjected to prolonged or excessive noise levels, the delicate structures in our ears can suffer irreversible harm. When attending concerts, working in noisy environments, or engaging in activities like shooting, mowing the lawn, using power tools, or riding motorcycles wear hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs to protect your ears and prevent permanent hearing loss.  

Limit Volume Levels 

When using headphones or earphones, it’s important to maintain safe volume levels. The World Health Organization recommends keeping the volume below 60% of the maximum level and limiting listening sessions to no more than 60 minutes at a time (WHO, 2022). Remember to regularly take breaks to give your ears a rest.  

Practice Safe Listening at Concerts and Events

Attending concerts and live events can be enjoyable, but it’s crucial to protect your hearing. Maintain a safe distance from the speakers, take regular breaks in quieter areas, and consider using musician’s earplugs, which reduce volume without sacrificing sound quality. 

Be Cautious with Personal Audio Devices 

When using personal audio devices, such as smartphones, be mindful of the volume settings. Opt for over-ear or noise-cancelling headphones instead of earbuds to reduce sound leakage and minimise the need for higher volumes. Ensure the volume level is low enough that you can still hear external sounds. 

Maintain Ear Health

Practice good hygiene, wash your hands frequently and get prompt medical attention for ear pain or hearing loss to reduce the risk of ear infections. Avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to remove ear wax that can push the ear wax further into the ear canal and result in serious injury and hearing loss.  

Read Understanding the basics of ear wax to learn more about ear wax and how yo clean your ears.   

Take Breaks from Noisy Environments

If you frequently find yourself in loud environments, such as construction sites or noisy offices, try to take regular breaks in quieter areas. Giving your ears intermittent periods of rest can help reduce the risk of long-term damage (WHO, 2022) 

Stay Active and Eat a Healthy Diet

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can contribute to overall well-being, including hearing health (Emmett, 2015). Engaging in physical activity improves blood circulation to the ears, while a nutrient-rich diet promotes the health of the delicate structures responsible for hearing reference (Zhan, 2011). 

Get Regular Hearing Checks

Make it a habit to have your hearing checked regularly by a qualified audiologist. Early detection of any hearing issues can lead to timely intervention, preventing further damage or complications. Your audiologist can also provide guidance on hearing protection and offer personalized advice based on your specific needs.

Read The importance of getting regular hearing tests to learn more. 

References

World Health Organization, World Report on Hearing, 2021. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240020481 

World Health Organization, Safe Listening, 2022. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/deafness-and-hearing-loss-safe-listening 

Emmett SD, West Jr KP. Nutrition and hearing loss: a neglected cause and global health burden. Oxford University Press; 2015. 

Zhan W, Cruickshanks KJ, Klein BE, Klein R, Huang G-H, Pankow JS, et al. Modifiable determinants of hearing impairment in adults. Preventative Medicine. 53(4–5):338–42, 2011.