Can hearing loss be prevented? Tips for protecting your hearing…

Hearing loss is often considered a natural part of ageing, but did you know that many cases of hearing damage are actually preventable? While some types of hearing loss are linked to genetics or medical conditions, a significant proportion, especially those related to noise exposure or lifestyle, can be reduced or even avoided with the right habits and precautions.

In this blog, we’ll explore the different causes of hearing loss and share practical, evidence-based tips for protecting your hearing at every stage of life.

Understanding hearing loss

Hearing loss occurs when any part of the ear or the pathways to the brain become damaged or stop working properly. It can be temporary or permanent, and it ranges in severity from mild to profound.

There are three main types of hearing loss:

• Sensorineural. This is caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, often due to ageing, noise exposure, or certain medications.

• Conductive. This is related to blockages or issues in the outer or middle ear, such as wax build-up, ear infections or fluid.

• Mixed. This is a combination of sensorineural and conductive loss.

While age related hearing loss is common in people over 60, more young people are being diagnosed with hearing problems, particularly those who are regularly exposed to loud environments or use headphones at high volumes.

The good news is that many of the risk factors for hearing damage can be managed with preventative action.

1. Turn the volume down

One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your hearing is to turn the volume down, especially when using headphones or earbuds. Experts recommend following the 60/60 rule: listen at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time.

If you’re using earbuds in a noisy environment and feel the need to turn up the volume to drown out the background, consider using noise-cancelling headphones instead. These block external noise, allowing you to hear clearly at a lower, safer volume.

2. Wear ear protection in loud environments

Whether you're at a concert, working on a construction site, using power tools, or even attending a loud sports event, wearing ear protection is key. Repeated exposure to sounds over 85 decibels can lead to permanent hearing damage.

Earplugs or earmuffs are easy to use and available in a range of styles. Musicians and frequent concertgoers can invest in high-fidelity earplugs that reduce sound volume without distorting music quality.

3. Give your ears a break

Our ears need time to recover after being exposed to loud environments. If you’ve spent time somewhere noisy, like a festival or nightclub, give your ears a break for at least 16 hours afterwards.

4. Don’t use cotton buds

It’s a common habit to clean ears with cotton buds, but this can do more harm than good. Pushing a cotton bud into the ear canal can compact wax, cause injury, or even perforate the eardrum.

Your ears are self-cleaning. Wax naturally migrates out of the ear. If you feel your ears are blocked or you’re experiencing discomfort, speak to an audiologist about safe cleaning methods, such as professional ear irrigation or microsuction.

5. Keep your ears dry

Moisture trapped in the ears can lead to infections, such as swimmer’s ear. After swimming or showering, tilt your head to each side to let water escape, and gently dry your ears with a towel. If you swim regularly, consider using ear plugs and a swim cap to keep water out.

6. Be aware of ototoxic medications

Some medications can damage the inner ear, a condition known as ototoxicity. These include certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and large doses of aspirin or diuretics. If you’re concerned about the side effects of any medication, speak to your GP or pharmacist. They may be able to recommend an alternative or monitor your hearing more closely.

7. Get regular hearing checks

Just as we have regular eye and dental checks, routine hearing tests are important, especially if you’re over 50 or work in a noisy environment. Early detection of hearing loss allows for more effective intervention, including hearing aids, sound therapy, or changes to your environment to prevent further damage.

8. Live a healthy lifestyle

General health plays a role in maintaining good hearing. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can affect the blood supply to the ear and lead to hearing loss. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can all contribute to better hearing health.

While not all hearing loss is avoidable, a large proportion can be prevented through conscious lifestyle choices. Turning the volume down, wearing ear protection, avoiding cotton buds, and getting regular checks are simple but powerful steps that help preserve your hearing well into the future. Your hearing is precious, don’t wait until there’s a problem to start protecting it.