You can understand why people overlook their hearing health. Since changes are so gradual, it’s often safe to assume that, because there’s no obvious issue, everything must be fine.
Still, gradual hearing loss is still hearing loss. What’s more, a big percentage of hearing loss cases, especially early ones, are preventable simply by adopting a few smart hearing health practices. With an estimated one-quarter of the world’s population expected to have some degree of hearing loss by 2050, making a few adjustments today could make a big difference many years down the line.
Volume begins to become harmful when it exceeds 85dB, yet there are many people walking around who aren’t only routinely exposed to sounds louder than that, but who do so voluntarily. Listening to music through headphones at loud volumes puts repeated, consistent pressure on the ears, which, over time, can cause noise-induced hearing loss. Even turning the volume down by a couple of levels can have a noticeable difference to hearing health, without impacting the ability to hear the song well. Audiologists recommend the 60/60 rule, in which listeners set the volume to 60% of the maximum for under 60 minutes at a time.
Protecting your hearing when in loud environments is vital for looking after your hearing health. Wearing hearing protection at concerts, in loud work environments, or when using power tools helps to keep the ears safe from unsafe decibel levels that can quickly cause significant, lasting damage. When considering whether hearing loss can be reversed, it’s important to remember that this type of damage causes the ear’s sensitive hairs — which are vital for hearing — to experience permanent damage. Once that’s happened, treatment usually depends on minimizing further damage and, if necessary, fitting a hearing aid.
Though it might not sound like it, keeping your overall health in good condition is one of the most effective and underrated ways to look after your hearing health. Exercise helps to improve cardiovascular health, which supports blood flow to the ear. It can also help minimize the risk of diabetes, which has been shown to be a contributing factor to hearing loss.
Most people wait until they have noticeable signs of hearing loss before they make an appointment with an audiologist. By that stage, it becomes about managing the hearing loss. Getting your hearing tested early — such as in your forties — helps to establish your baseline hearing, which makes it easier to track loss during subsequent appointments.
If you do have hearing loss, then it’s best to get fitted for a hearing aid as early as possible. Many people delay this process, but in the process, they end up worsening their symptoms. Modern hearing aid devices are discreet, comfortable, and extremely effective at restoring lost hearing, so there’s no reason to delay seeking treatment when a good audiologist can help you to find the right one for you.
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