Preventing Daily Habits That Lead to Hearing Loss

Whether commuting, exercising, or preparing for the day, certain habits might be damaging your hearing without your awareness. Hearing begins early in life, even before birth, but many tend to overlook its importance. Hearing allows us to enjoy music and hear our child’s first words, yet it is extremely sensitive.

According to the American Academy of Audiology, about 40 million American adults suffer from hearing loss due to noise exposure. People of all ages and backgrounds can experience this, often unaware of the cumulative nature of hearing damage, as explained by Rachel Artsma, a senior audiologist at Hear.com.

Types of Hearing Loss

There are three primary types of hearing loss:

• Conductive: Involves the outer or middle ear.
• Sensorineural: Involves the inner ear.
• Mixed: Involves both conductive and sensorineural issues.

Signs of hearing loss include muffled sounds, ringing in the ears, needing to increase volume, and being bothered by background noise.

Loud Environments and Everyday Habits

Avoiding loud environments helps prevent hearing loss, yet several everyday habits contribute to long-term damage.

Using Earbuds at High Volume

Many people use earbuds in places like subways or grocery stores. Although useful, listening to loud music through earbuds is a common health issue. Artsma highlights that the problem lies not in the earbuds themselves but using them at excessively high volumes for extended periods.

If you cannot hear those around you because of your music, the volume is likely too high. Follow the 60/60 rule: keep volume under 60% of the maximum, and limit listening to 60 minutes at a time.

People may increase volume to overcome background noise in busy areas. Damaged hair cells in the inner ear do not regenerate, emphasizing the importance of prevention.

Driving With Windows Down

Rolling down the car window can be tempting, especially in summer, but the wind noise can be damaging. Wind can reach harmful noise levels on highways.

Those who often drive for long periods may experience hearing stress. The longer exposure leads to greater potential impact, especially for individuals with multiple noise sources daily. Hearing health results from the cumulative noise exposure, not just a single activity.

Using a Hairdryer Daily

Hairdrying might contribute to hearing issues. While not among the most damaging appliances, it adds to overall noise exposure. Daily use, combined with other loud activities, can lead to cumulative damage.

Many underestimate the noise from household appliances, but they are not without risk. Hairstylists and salon workers face greater exposure due to longer use.

Artsma notes that risks do not only come from obviously loud events. However, some hearing loss can be reversed with treatment and routine changes. Take listening breaks, reduce volume, and embrace everyday sounds.

If warning signs like ringing in the ears after an event occur, do not ignore them. They may indicate the auditory system experienced stress from excessive noise. Repeatedly needing others to repeat themselves or speak louder can signal hearing issues, not merely signs of aging or fatigue.

For questions or concerns about hearing health, contact Newsweek editors Charlotte Nisbet and Shakeema Edwards or reach out via [email protected].