We take lots of things for granted. Good hearing is one of them—unless you’re someone who struggles with hearing loss. How many times did you say, “Pardon me?” or “What?” or “Say again?” today? If the answer is not at all, you probably have good hearing. But when your hearing is impaired, this can be a common mantra—and a real struggle. Here\’s what you need to know about hearing loss and prevention.
01
A growing problem
Hearing loss is the fastest growing, and one of the most prevalent, chronic conditions today. It’s no longer a seniors’ problem. An estimated 15 percent of adults report some trouble hearing. Further, there’s an increase in depression and anxiety rates among people with significantly impaired hearing. A 2013 study also linked hearing loss with cognitive decline in older adults.
02
Noise-induced hearing loss
Such hard-working appendages should be rewarded with your respect. It’s easier than you might think to prevent the most common type of hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can be temporary. But repeated exposure to loud noises over long periods can make this hearing loss permanent.
Did you know?
While occupational noise has decreased since the early 1980s, social noise exposure has tripled for young people. European and American studies indicate between 10 and 66 percent of teenagers exhibit hearing damage, the higher number associated with greater use of personal music devices and rock concert attendance.
03
How loud is too loud?
Scientists say that prolonged exposure to noises higher than 85 dBA (A-weighted decibels) can cause hearing loss. A normal conversation usually reaches about 60 dBA. Surprisingly, many everyday things can expose us to 85 dBA or higher, including music through headphones or earbuds, live music concerts, video games, lawn mowers and weed trimmers, movie theatres, and traffic.
04
Listen for warning signs
Listen for the warning signs of overly high noise levels. These include ringing or buzzing in your ears, muffled and unclear sounds, and difficulty following or understanding conversations against background noise.
05
Avoid high volumes
It doesn’t take much to damage your hearing, sometimes permanently. So, think twice before you bump up the volume. You’ll know if the volume’s too loud if you can’t comfortably hold a conversation with someone standing 2 metres (6.5 ft) away. If you have young children in the house, it’s even more important to keep the volume at safe levels.
06
Avoid noise pollution
It’s a thing! Traffic noise, road and building construction, and loud neighbours are just a few sources of noise pollution. It’s such an issue in our everyday lives that the World Health Organization has identified it as a threat to public health.
What can you do? Try to find a quiet escape—an art gallery or library. Better yet, unplug and get out into nature. It’ll do you—and your ears—a world of good!
07
Don’t stick things in your ears
Yes, we mean cotton swabs, hairpins, or other objects used to remove earwax buildup. The problem is that you’re more likely to push earwax further into your ear. You may even damage your ear when you’re prodding and poking around.
The truth is that earwax is there for a reason. And the earwax we don’t need usually takes care of itself. So, if you suspect you have a blockage, play it safe and consult a professional.
08
More ways to protect your hearing
- Wear hearing protectors at noisy events (workplaces, movie theatres, music concerts, sporting events)
- Stand farther away from noise sources.
- Spend less time in noisy environments.
- Keep nose blowing gentle, and use both nostrils.
- When flying, swallow and yawn frequently during landing to equalize air pressure in the ears.
09
Supplements for hearing protection
A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found a combination of antioxidant vitamins (daily beta carotene and vitamins C and E) and magnesium were associated with lower risks of hearing loss. A Dutch study showed folic acid supplements slowed down loss of low-frequency hearing among 50- to 70-year-olds. In another study that specifically looked at occupational noise, vitamin E appeared to reduce the risk of NIHL.
Other supplements that might offer prevention
- alpha-lipoic acid
- melatonin
- coenzyme Q10
- lutein and zeaxanthin
- lycopene
10
Other causes of hearing impairment
Although noise-induced hearing loss is prevalent, it’s certainly not the only reason people suffer hearing loss. About one-third of people between 65 and 74 and about half of people older than 75 suffer from presbycusis (aka age-related hearing loss hearing loss). Illnesses such as viral and bacterial infections, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, Ménière’s disease, otosclerosis, tumours, and autoimmune conditions, can also play a role, as can prenatal conditions, such as fetal alcohol syndrome or conflicting parental blood types. Further, there are more than 200 drugs and chemicals that can trigger hearing and balance issues. Some include antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, aspirin, and erectile dysfunction drugs.
Hearing loss can also be linked to:
- earwax buildup
- sleep apnea
- congenital conditions
- ear-related abnormalities
- heredity
- head or ear trauma
- chemical/toxic damage to the ear
