Hearing is a precious sense that many of us take for granted—until we start noticing problems. Unfortunately, modern life exposes us to many risks that can damage our hearing over time. Understanding these hazards and how to protect yourself can help preserve your hearing for years to come.
Here, we review some of the most commonly encountered hazards to our hearing health, from noise exposure to certain medications and more.
Loud Noises
Excessive noise exposure is one of the most common causes of hearing loss, also known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can cause permanent damage, especially with prolonged exposure. Common sources of loud noise include:
-
Loud machinery and power tools
-
Headphones at high volume
How to Protect Yourself:
-
Use ear protection (earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs) in noisy environments.
-
Follow the 60/60 rule for headphones: Listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
-
Take regular breaks from noisy settings to give your ears time to recover.
-
Use cold therapy like ReBound after noise exposure.
RestorEar is at the forefront of research for the prevention of NIHL. You can read about our ongoing clinical trial here.
Ear Infections
Repeated or untreated ear infections can lead to hearing loss, especially in children. Bacteria and viruses can cause inflammation, which may damage the delicate structures of the ear.
How to Protect Yourself:
-
Keep ears dry and clean, especially after swimming or showering.
-
Treat ear infections promptly with the help of a doctor.
-
Avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs into the ear canal, as this can push debris deeper and increase the risk of infection.
-
Use ReBoundLite to help manage pain and inflammation from ear infections.
Ototoxic Medications
Certain medications, known as ototoxic drugs, can cause hearing damage as a side effect. These include some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high doses of aspirin or NSAIDs. Many of these drugs are necessary and life saving, so it's important to speak with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your drug regimen.
How to Protect Yourself:
-
Always consult your doctor about potential hearing-related side effects of medications.
-
If you notice ringing in your ears (tinnitus) or changes in hearing, report it immediately.
-
Use medications only as directed.
Aging and Genetic Factors
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is common and typically results from long-term wear and tear on the auditory system. Genetics also play a role in determining how susceptible a person is to hearing loss.
How to Protect Yourself:
-
Get regular hearing check-ups, especially after age 50.
-
Lead a healthy lifestyle to maintain good circulation, which is important for ear health.
-
Avoid excessive noise exposure to slow the progression of age-related hearing loss.
Earwax Buildup
While earwax protects the ear, excessive buildup can block sound and even cause temporary hearing loss.
How to Protect Yourself:
-
Avoid using cotton swabs, which can push wax deeper into the ear canal.
-
Use ear drops or seek professional cleaning if you experience blockages.
-
Maintain good ear hygiene but allow natural earwax to do its job of protecting your ears.
Your hearing health is vital to your quality of life, and protecting it should be a priority. By being aware of these common hazards and taking simple preventive steps, you can reduce your risk of hearing loss and maintain better auditory health for years to come. If you suspect hearing issues, consult a hearing specialist for early intervention and care.
Want more tips for protecting your hearing? Sign up for RestorEar’s newsletter here.
← Older Post Newer Post →