Tips for Preventing Hearing Loss

Though hearing loss is the third most common medical condition in the United States, it is also an invisible condition – which means it tends to not elicit preventative concerns. Hearing loss comes in two common forms: presbycusis (age-related) or noise-induced. While the former is unavoidable and occurs due to the natural process of aging, the latter is 100% preventable, if we take the steps in our daily life. Here, we provide tips for preventing hearing loss.

We’re well aware that portable electronic devices, from smartphones to tablets, are not going anywhere, any time soon. These devices have been improved over the years with a long battery life and small size for transportability. In addition, they tend to come with a complimentary pair of earbuds.

Earbuds are convenient choice for most of us. Their size and lightness means they’re easy to transport. Whether it’s an hour-long commute to work on the train or a 60-minute workout on the treadmill, earbuds either distract us or help us stay focused.

Unfortunately, earbuds could create dangerous conditions that may lead to permanent hearing loss. In fact, a 2015 report from the World Health Organization finds that 1.1 billion young people worldwide are at risk for permanent hearing loss – due to unsafe use of personal audio devices. First, earbuds are positioned in close proximity to your eardrums, pouring loud sounds deep inside your ear canal. Sound levels in this situation are akin to using power tools in a coal mine. Secondly, earbuds are not equipped to cancel out any external noise, which means wearers tend to crank up the volume to hear their music or media when using earbuds.

Rather than using earbuds, switch to noise-canceling headphones. While these tend to be a bit more bulky and expensive, this is a sacrifice worth making for your ears. Noise-canceling headphones block external noises, which allow you to listen to your music and media at a reasonable volume level. Hearing specialists recommend adhering to the 60-60 rule: 60% of the volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. Don’t forget to give your ears a break!

Noise-induced hearing loss is a common by-product of working in a loud environment. Construction workers, factory workers, airfield operators, and professional musicians are exposed to dangerous levels of noise on a daily basis. In most cases, the loudest professions offer employees ear protection.

However, there are a number of professions that may not initially appear to damage your hearing. Dentists, nursery school teachers, and hair stylists all have one thing in common: their jobs could be potentially harmful for their hearing, but they are not aware of it. The whirring sounds of dental equipment that often scare patients could do serious damage to the hearing of dental professionals. Nursery school teachers ae surrounded by children, who often speak in loud high-frequency voices, which could harm their hearing. The sharp, loud bursts of a hair dryer used by hair stylists could contribute to permanent hearing loss over time.

Using custom ear protection on the job is the best thing you can do to protect your hearing. A common rule of thumb is: if someone is standing arm’s length away from you, and you cannot hear them, then your workplace is too loud. If you are concerned about decibels in your workplace environment, consider measuring the environment with a simple smartphone app. Hearing specialists warn exposure to sounds of 85 decibels over an 8-hour period. Talk to your employer about custom hearing protection to save your hearing.

And – for the record – custom ear protection is important in your off hours too! During leisure activities, such as DIY construction projects, mowing the lawn, or practicing with your garage rock band, be sure to invest in hearing protection. A quick and easy solution is ear plugs (made of foam or silicone, found at your local pharmacy); a better long-term solution is custom hearing protection. Custom hearing protection is molded from your ears and provides a better fit to filter out dangerous decibels.

Remember to bring hearing protection to events such as live rock concerts, live sports games, the shooting gallery, or hunting.

Are you concerned about your hearing? To maintain optimal hearing health, schedule an annual hearing test to keep track of your hearing abilities. Contact us today at Hear Care Rhode Island to schedule a test.