5 Ways to Prevent Hearing Loss

While hearing loss is a common problem, unfortunately it is often ignored and overlooked. Unlike other health problems that are dealt with more carefully, people usually aren’t too concerned about protecting their hearing ability. Common problems, such as exposure to loud sounds and noises for a prolonged period of time are overlooked. For most people, exposure to loud sounds isn’t even a concern. However, hearing loss is a serious issue that needs to be tackled with extreme care. Once damaged, your sense of hearing cannot be repaired. Naturally then ears should be protected at every cost and here are tips that can help you do so. 

1. Stay away from loud noises

As mentioned above, exposure to loud noises and sounds can cause permanent damage to the ears and eventually lead to loss of hearing. However, determining the intensity of a sound isn’t easy for most people. As a rule of thumb, if the sound or noise you are exposed to is able to draw out the background noise or prevent you from hearing what others are saying, the sound is too loud. Therefore, always try to keep away from loud sounds and noises. If you listen to music on headphones, never do so in a manner that you are unable to hear external sounds. 

2. Use earplugs

If you can’t keep away from loud sounds and noises, use earplugs to limit the exposure. For instance, if your job involves being around large speakers or loud music, using earplugs or earmuffs will significantly reduce the chances of damaging your ears. Moreover, another method involves taking short breaks and leaving the area with loud sounds and noises. 

3. Don’t put up with noise at work

If your workplace is too loud and noisy, talk with your human resources manager and try to get the noise levels down. By law, employers have to provide a safe working environment, which includes limiting over-exposure to loud noises. While it may not seem like much, tension at work coupled with loud noise can cause great damage to the ears. Moreover, as you are likely to spend quite a few hours at work, the exposure will be long term and will increase the probability of you suffering from hearing loss. 

4. Don’t listen to loud music in confined spaces

While listening to loud music is harmful in itself, it can be even more damaging and harmful if the music is played in a confined space. As the sound has nowhere to go, it will seem even louder. Without any outflow, music can cause a great deal of damage. 

5. Limit the time you listen to loud music

If you love your music and want it to be played loud only, you can put a limit on the amount of time you listen to it. For instance, rather than listening to loud music for two hours straight, follow the 60/60 rule: listen to music for no longer than 60 minutes at a time at 60 percent of the music player’s volume.

Talk with an audiologist if you notice symptoms of hearing loss or require ear protection. Your audiologist will be able to help you prevent hearing loss or treat any degree you currently have.