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4 Ways to Protect Your Hearing

Loud noise can be very damaging to your hearing, whether it’s a loud burst or years of prolonged exposure. Sounds are measured in decibels, and those exceeding 85 decibels can hurt your ears — permanently. Common sources of loud noise include lawn mowers (106 decibels), fireworks (150 decibels) and rock concerts (120 decibels).

Approximately 15 percent of adults 18 years of age or older report some trouble hearing, and the risk rises as we age. Up to 39 percent of adults in their sixties are having problems hearing. The good news is that taking action now may protect you from hearing loss later in life.

Consider taking the following steps:

Get a baseline hearing test..

Most adults have never had a hearing test , but it pays to buck that trend. At your next annual physical, ask for a hearing test as part of your routine checkup. A hearing test gives your audiologist a baseline that they can compare with future results to monitor the progression of hearing loss.

Wear protective hearing gear.

When you are in a noisy environment, wear protective hearing gear such as earplugs or protective earphones. You likely can find ear plugs at your local drugstore or music supply shop, but you can also ask your audiologist for more information.  For people who are regularly exposed to noise, your audiologist may recommend custom ear plugs. Think “ear protection” before you’re exposed to any noisy environment, such as: Rock concerts or any type of loud performance Construction sites Noisy workplaces Airports or train and bus stations Lawn mowing or leaf blowing Auto racing Hunting or shooting 

Monitor the volume of your devices.

While you are watching TV or using mobile devices, keep the volume at a comfortable level. It should be loud enough that you do not need to strain to hear, but not so loud that when you leave the room, you can still hear it from another part of your home.

Have custom molds made for your earphones.

If you often listen to music on earphones using a portable music or video device, it’s a good idea to have custom earphone molds made. There are relatively inexpensive custom ear molds that conform to the unique shape of your ear canal and attach to the earphone’s wires. You will find the sound truly superior as the custom ear molds will block outside noise, allowing for better quality listening. A variety of custom ear molds are available for use with earphones, while others are designed for musicians and people who are exposed to noise. Your audiologist can help you select the best style for you.

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Understand and Protect Your Hearing

Did you know that we start hearing sounds from the outside world while in the womb at about 23 weeks? Moreover, by 35 weeks, our ears are fully formed, and we can likely distinguish our mom’s voice from others.

From birth to adulthood, our ears are a powerful and fragile tool. It is through our sense of hearing that we can listen to and respond to a child’s cry, the cheering of our favorite sports team, or listen to our favorite band, play, or movie. Our hearing opens our minds to a realm of experiences, friendships, learning, and priceless memories.

Sadly, hearing loss is a significant public health issue worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people will have some degree of hearing loss, and at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation.

At the American Hearing Research Foundation (AHRF), we hope that the following information can lead you to better understand, protect and restore your hearing and balance functions.

An Awakening

Hearing loss and balance disorders related to the inner ear can impact many aspects of a person’s life, including school, work success, social life, relationships, and income. Your hearing often suffers with sensory overload and stress. Furthermore, hearing loss is related to various health issues such as cognitive decline, diabetes, social isolation, depression, and communication skills. Hearing loss and balance disorders don’t discriminate; they can affect anyone.

At AHRF, we focus on understanding these life-altering conditions and enabling discoveries that can contribute to people’s quality of life and their ability to meet the challenges of day-to-day living.

We Are Your Ally Towards a Healthier Hearing Lifestyle

As the developing hearing health crisis continues impacting people’s lives, learning about the healthy choices you can make for yourself and those around you might be the one decision that will shield your sense of hearing. AHRF has made discoveries around hearing loss and balance disorders possible for more than 60 years. Therefore, we want to be your ally by providing you with digestible information and resources so you can understand and protect your hearing health and that of your loved ones.

Choose a Pathway That Best Meet Your Needs

Whether your hearing is normal, or you or a loved one has severe hearing loss or balance disorders, or if you know someone that does, or if you are intrigued about how you might benefit from a research grant or make a difference – you are in the right place. Join us by choosing the path that best applies to you and your needs from the following options:

Prevent, Identify, Preserve Hearing Loss and Balance Disorders

Experiencing hearing loss or balance disorders, early-stage scientists and researchers, prevent, identify, and preserve hearing loss and balance disorders.

As you age, you will experience several changes in your body. Hearing loss and balance problems might be some of these changes. Most hearing loss cannot be reversed; therefore, the best solution is prevention. Be your own advocate.

Early identification of hearing loss, balance disorders, and ear diseases are critical to healthier work and lifestyle.

Taking care of your hearing may help your overall health and vice versa. Get your ears and hearing tested.

As a result of constant audio stimulation, Gen Y and Gen X may be the most vulnerable generations when it comes to noise-induced hearing loss.

Among younger Americans, roughly 15 percent of teens have some degree of hearing loss. Exposure to high-volume experiences like concerts, events, and electronic devices can permanently damage your hearing. Use ear plugs and other hearing protection.

Untreated hearing loss is linked to earning, on average, $20,000 less annually than those who used hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Be kind to your ears and your delicate sense of hearing in order to prevent the loss of finances.

Hearing loss can create challenges in how you communicate regularly, affect your emotional well-being, and impact your cognitive function.

Speak up and seek help if you notice any signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding people over the phone, listening to electronic devices at a very high-volume, needing people to repeat themselves over and over, or trouble hearing because of background noise.

Most people take their ability to stay upright and balanced for granted, and balance relies on a complex interchange between the inner ear and the brain.

When balance disorders occur, they can be frightening and highly disruptive to people’s lives. If you are suddenly experiencing balance problems, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fluctuations in heart rate and/or blood pressure, seek medical help for proper diagnosis and available treatments.

Meet Joan Wincentsen

Hello, my name is Joan, and I am the Executive Director of the AHRF. My father, Jim Bingley, struggled with hearing loss for decades. He worked around heavy machinery for most of his life, serving in the Navy in WWII, and as a machinist at the Cracker Jack manufacturing plant in Chicago for his last 30 years. With five kids (the last one joined us after this photo was taken), his household was noisy, too. He’d escape to the garage and the roar of his Harley Davidson motorcycle. We didn’t understand why Dad didn’t follow what we said or why he often interrupted with a joke or brought up a different topic. Over time, his isolation grew – even among the family he loved. I wish my siblings and I had better understood his predicament and accommodated it. I wish his workplace had required him to wear hearing protection. I wish his hearing aids were easier to use. I can’t change this, but I can support hearing research. I want to help find ways to protect and salvage the hearing of my family and friends – because it’s the underlayer of our thinking, health, and relationships. We can make this world a better place if we can understand each other, and to do that, we have to be able to hear each other!

Takeaway Message and Next Steps:

Hearing loss has become a growing public health concern; today, it’s the third most common chronic health condition in the United States. Therefore, it is essential that you take steps to protect your hearing health:

Be kind to your ears so simple functions like your innate sense of balance, which depends on the healthy functioning of your inner ear, are not affected.

Schedule a hearing test through an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist—ENT), an audiologist, or a hearing aid specialist.

Talk to your doctor about any symptoms or signs of hearing loss and how to best address them.

Reach out to anyone you know who may have hearing loss. Be curious, ask questions, and put yourself in their shoes. What can you learn from their experience so you can begin to appreciate and better care for your hearing sense?

Visit the AHRF website to learn about your risks and how to prevent them.

Watch this 5-minute video to learn about how we hear.

Experiencing Hearing Loss and Balance Disorders

Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic health condition facing older adults in the U.S. Also, most seniors 80 and older likely show evidence of balance dysfunction. As a result, older people are mistakenly thought to be needy, grumpy, confused, unresponsive, or uncooperative.

Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.

• Get a professional hearing exam to identify any existing hearing loss and the baseline for measuring any future loss.
• You may also consider over-the-counter hearing aids.

Hearing loss is linked to depression, frustration, and embarrassment about not understanding what is being said.

Ask for help and openly share your hearing loss with loved ones to improve your quality of life.

The risk of hearing loss increases if there is family history of hearing loss.

Hearing loss may increase if there is a history of noise exposure (e.g., a noisy workplace or isolated incidents of excessively loud or explosive sounds), a history of taking medicines known to cause damage to the hearing system, a health condition linked to hearing loss, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Be open to the possibility of using hearing aids. Let go of old assumptions about these and educate yourself on current options and recent technologies in terms of functionality, design, and comfort.

When using hearing aids, it may take time to adjust to processing sounds you haven't heard for a long time.

Essentially, your brain is relearning to listen to these sounds. When you purchase your hearing aids seek counseling and support on how to use them so you can ease the transition. Hearing aids are typically purchased through a licensed dispenser, however some basic models will soon be available over-the-counter for direct purchase.

If you are experiencing severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss or are profoundly deaf, you may benefit from a cochlear implant.

This implant is a sophisticated electronic medical device that can help you to understand speech. A cochlear implant has the ability to restore do not restore hearing and improve word comprehension. It will take time for your brain to adjust to hearing through the device, but in time it becomes your new normal.

Hello, my name is Kim. I started experiencing Meniere’s symptoms in 1999 when I was 39. It began with ringing in the ears, a condition known as tinnitus. Then I developed hearing loss in my right ear, and over many years, I had mild to severe episodes of dizziness, leaving me debilitated for hours at a time. Fast forward to 2022, my dizzy spells are few and far between. My hearing loss seems to have leveled off, but I wear hearing aids, which has been life changing. I also continue monitoring my sodium intake and exercise regularly, which are preventative ways to help keep my hearing healthy.

My story has impacted my whole family. Because there is no known cure for Meniere’s disease, my daughter Katie is running a half marathon in every state and DC to raise awareness and funds for the American Hearing Research Foundation (AHRF). We hope that one day in the sooner future, the research the AHRF supports can help find a cure. I am so grateful for my supportive family and friends. Knowing there is work going into finding solutions to ease Meniere’s symptoms is heartwarming and fills me with hope.

Your ears do a lot more than just listen. The anatomy of your inner ear holds what your body needs to walk, sit, coordinate, and find equilibrium. Experiencing hearing loss and balance disorders personally or caring for loved ones affected by these conditions could be strenuous and disruptive for the whole family. Therefore, it is essential that you take steps to acknowledge the reality of hearing loss and balance problems. You can do so by:

Avoid minimizing the symptoms or try to normalize the side effects, which can only make matters worse.

Reach out for professional support if hearing and equilibrium loss takes you by surprise.

Seek treatments available to help better manage symptoms.

Ask your loved ones to look at you when speaking and talk at appropriate speeds and volumes.

Watch this 5-minute video to learn about Meniere's disease, which impairs hearing and balance.

The AHRF recognizes the critical importance of early-stage research and has a methodical selection to support research often overlooked by larger funding organizations.

AHRF provides essential independent funding for scientists exploring novel ideas and gathering preliminary data to apply for government or industry funding.

Since 1984, AHRF has empowered scientists to conduct 261 research projects with over $5.1 million in funding, and supported over 82 different research institutions in 33 states. AHRF-funded studies have resulted in 11 published articles in the last three years.

Meet monita chatterjee.

Hello, my name is Monita, and I am a recipient of an AHRF Grant. The AHRF funding allowed us to develop innovative tools over a short time. One of the tools developed for the aging population was also useful in young children. Because of this initial funding, our larger project on emotional communication by children with cochlear implants was also funded. The support of the AHRF is helping us expand our reach beyond the intended population.

The studies AHRF funds today lay the groundwork and impact future scientific discoveries. Therefore, if you are a scientist or researcher looking for a pathway to develop impactful hearing loss and balance disorders research, treatments, and solutions, you could apply for an AHRF seed grant. You can do so by:

Learn about AHRF’s mission and application process.

Take a look at previously funded researchers and projects.

Download the frequently asked questions or informational flyer.

AHRF recognizes the critical importance of early-stage research. We award five to ten seed grants to researchers whose work aligns with our mission each year.

The american cochlear implant alliance (aci):.

Where to go for an evaluation and information about the cochlear implant process.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vital Signs:

Learn about the hearing health crisis, how it occurs, and the solutions available for people.

Hearing Loss in Children:

Learn how hearing loss manifests in children.

A Noisy Planet:

Explanations and examples of what kind of noise can damage your hearing.

Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA):

Learn about hearing loss and aural rehabilitation.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders:

More information on balance disorders.

AHRF is a leading nonprofit organization helping to alleviate the developing hearing health crisis through groundbreaking research and education on preventing, identifying, preserving, and restoring hearing and balance disorders.

Every donation made to the AHRF is an investment in life-changing research and education impacting the hearing health of communities. AHRF is the “charity of choice” by respected members of the community, private foundations, and generous individuals. If you would like to learn more about how you can play an active role in encouraging the next generation of researchers, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@american-hearing.org.

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Five Ways to Protect Your Hearing and Promote Ear Health

The human ear is a vital organ. It serves two critical roles in the human body: hearing and maintaining balance. Healthy hearing translates to productive living.

Therefore, ear care requires that you are vigilant in your day to day activities, and avoid situations and things that could lead to ear damage. Here are five ways in which you can ensure that your ears are healthy.

Avoid Loud Noise

Exposure to loud sounds is a leading cause of hearing problems. This noise could be from your favorite music player, machines that you operate at work, firearms, speed boats among others.

Excess exposure to these noises damages the sensitive hair cells found in the inner ear, which can lead to a permanent hearing loss. It is, therefore, imperative that you protect your ears whenever you are exposed to excess noise.

If your work involves dealing with loud machines, speak to your supervisor or manager. Let them look for ways of reducing this exposure.  They can consider minimizing the length of time that you spend with the noisy machinery. They can also look into getting other models that are less noisy, if possible. Ask for ear protection devices like ear plugs or ear muffs.

If you are the kind that listens to music from earphones and headphones, acquire the noise canceling models. Avoid having the sound at more than 60% of the volume. If someone seated next to you can hear what you are listening to, then that volume is too high and can cause ear damage. Do not increase the volume of your earphones in an attempt to block noise from your environment.

Whenever you attend events where they play loud music, keep away from the sources of excess noise like the speakers. Consider acquiring ear plugs that control the volume of music without muting it at such events.

Do Not Insert Objects in the Ear Canal

Resist the temptation to use earbuds or other sharp pointed objects to clean your ears. These objects are potentially dangerous as they can rupture your eardrums. 

The use of earbuds, fingers and other objects also puts you at a higher risk of developing infections. These can damage the delicate skin in the ear, making you more prone to infections.

Do not be obsessed with having wax free ears. A little wax is beneficial to you as it stops foreign objects from flying, crawling or being blown into your ear canal. Tea tree oil is a better option for managing wax build up. 

Do not use sharp object to attend to itching in the ears, lubricate your ears using olive oil. If the itching persists, consult a doctor.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

According to the National Campaign for Better Hearing, certain vitamins and minerals are essential for maintaining hearing health. 

Research has continued to show a connection between good nutrition and positive hearing outcomes. A great summary of studies on vitamins and antioxidants connection to hearing was published at HHTM last year.

However, always avoid using any vitamin or mineral supplements without consulting your doctor.

Give Your Ears a Break

While working in a noisy environment, give yourself a 10 minutes break every so often. Consider walking away from excess sound every 15 minutes at a noisy event.  Avoid using your earphones or headphones for more than an hour. Take a 5 minutes break every hour, even when you are using on low volume.

Give your ears a break from the noises of everyday life by visiting quiet places like secluded beaches and the woods regularly.

Have Your Ears Checked

If you are experiencing ear pain, deafness, dizziness, ringing or noises in the ear, it is advisable that you visit a doctor. A check-up will ensure that any problems are detected and addressed early enough. 

The ability to hear is one of the ways through which you interact with the rest of the world. An inability to understand others can lock you out of the joys of life; therefore, take care of your ears.

References:

• 10 Ways to Protect Your Hearing . Retrieved from Saga, March 2018
• Protecting your ears . Retrieved from Gun Safe Labs, March 2018
• Hearing loss prevention . Retrieved from Better Hearing Institute, March 2018

*featured image courtesy wikimedia commons

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How to Protect Your Hearing

Last Updated: November 2, 2021

This article was medically reviewed by Victor Catania, MD . Dr. Catania is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Pennsylvania. He received his MD from the Medical University of the Americas in 2012 and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Robert Packer Hospital. He is a member of the American Board of Family Medicine. This article has been viewed 117,009 times.

Hearing is one of our most important senses — it allows us to communicate, to learn, and to enjoy things like music and conversation. However, many people don't realize that they may be exposing their ears to a huge amount of potentially damaging noise (and other factors) on a daily basis. It's important to protect your hearing from noise and other damaging factors.

Understanding Hearing Loss

• Our brain registers sound thanks to a spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear called the cochlea. The cochlea is covered in thousands of tiny hairs which register sound vibrations and turn them into electrical impulses to be processed by the brain.
• When your ears are exposed to loud noises, these tiny hairs can become damaged, resulting in hearing loss. Although short, intense noises (like fireworks or a gunshot) are sometimes the cause, the most common cause is regular exposure to excessive noise (listening to music too loudly, working in a noisy environment).
• It's important to realize that once this type of hearing damage occurs, it cannot be reversed. Therefore it is very important to take measures to protect your hearing before it's too late. [1] X Research source

• Normal conversation: 60 to 65 dB
• Motorcycle or lawnmower: 85 to 95 dB
• Music at a nightclub: 110 dB
• MP3 player at maximum volume: 112 dB
• Ambulance siren: 120 dB
• Taking measures to reduce noise levels by just a few decibels can be hugely beneficial for your ears. This is due to the fact that every 3 dB increase in the noise level effectively doubles the amount of sound energy being released.
• As a result, the amount of time you can safely spend listening to a certain sound rapidly decreases the louder the sound is. For example, you can safely spend up to eight hours listening to an 85 dB sound, but you should only spend 15 minutes exposed to noise levels above 100 dB.
• If you can't hold a conversation with someone who is standing two meters away from you without shouting, the noise level is damaging to your ears.

• Depending on the issue, you may need to see an ear, nose and throat doctor (an Otolaryngologist), or a licensed audiologist.
• Each of these will perform a series of tests to determine whether your hearing has been damaged.
• While there is no cure for hearing damage, hearing aids can ease the problem by magnifying sounds as they enter your ear. Of course, they are expensive and may not always work, so it's important to protect your hearing.

Preventing Noise-Related Hearing Loss

• The volume on your MP3 player is too high if it completely drowns out all background noise, or if it feels uncomfortable to listen to. Switch to headphones instead of earphones, as these provide better sound quality at a lower volume.
• Try to follow the 60/60 rule when listening to music on an MP3 player. This means you should listen to music at no more than 60% of your music player's maximum volume, for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
• You also need to be careful when listening to music in enclosed spaces, such as in a car. Turning the volume dial down just a couple of notches can make a huge difference to your hearing. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source

• Nowadays, most workplaces have to follow strict regulations to protect their employees' hearing. Workers are required to wear noise canceling ear muffs or earplugs if the average daily noise level is above 85 decibels.
• However, people who are self-employed are responsible for their own hearing, so don't forget to wear hearing protection if you're doing activities like mowing the lawn or doing home improvements.
• If you are concerned about the noise levels in your workplace, speak to an occupational health and safety officer or to someone in the human resources department.

• To protect your ears while listening to live music, strategically position yourself away from any amplifiers, speakers or stage monitors. The further away you are from the source of the sound, the better.
• Take "quiet breaks." If you're spending the night at a music bar or club, try to go outside for five minutes every hour. Just giving your ears a break from the constant noise exposure will do them some good.
• Another alternative is to wear earplugs while you listen to live music. This can reduce the sound levels by 15 to 35 decibels, but shouldn't muffle your hearing or affect your enjoyment of the concert.
• If you are a musician yourself, try to avoid practicing at full performance volume and wear earplugs while playing, if possible.

• If you are pregnant, avoid loud concerts or workplace noise that exceeds 85 dB (about the level of a motorcycle engine), which has been linked to hearing loss in children. Loud noises during pregnancy has also been linked to a low birth weight and preterm delivery. [3] X Research source
• Newborns should never be exposed to sudden loud noises. Noise above 80 dB has been linked to hearing loss and infant anxiety.
• Young children have more sensitive hearing than adults, so if an environment seems loud to you, it is even louder to your child. Buy protective headphones or earplugs or avoid loud environments like rock concerts or front row seats at the fireworks display.

Avoiding Other Causes of Hearing Damage

• The most common ototoxic drugs include salicylates (such as aspirin) and anti-malarial drugs. Industrial strength chemical solvents have also been linked with hearing loss.
• To avoid hearing damage caused by drugs and chemicals, take all medications as directed and report any unusual side effects to your doctor.
• If you work with chemical solvents, talk to your occupational health and safety officer about the preventative measures you can take. [4] X Research source

• The best way to avoid hearing loss caused by these diseases is to avoid contracting these diseases in the first place.
• Get babies and children vaccinated and see a doctor immediately when you fall ill, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent the development of more serious complications like hearing loss.
• Avoid STDs like syphilis by wearing condoms during sex. [4] X Research source

• Always wear a helmet when riding a bike or playing any kind of contact sports, as even a concussion can negatively affect your hearing, and always wear a seatbelt when travelling by car
• Protect your ears from otitic barotrauma (damage caused by changing air pressure) by taking all necessary precautions when scuba diving.
• Prevent yourself from falling by being aware of safety at all times. For example, do not stand on the top rung of a ladder.

• Most people don't need to clean out their ears, as your ears need a certain amount of wax for protection and any excess will naturally be expelled.
• But if you feel you have excess wax in your ears, you can get rid of it using an earwax removal kit. To use, place a couple of drops of earwax solution into your ears before bedtime, over the course of a couple of nights. The solution will soften the earwax, causing it to flow out naturally. [5] X Research source

• Get plenty of exercise. Cardio exercise like walking, running or cycling helps to improve blood flow to your ears, which is good for your hearing. It's even better if you can do your exercise somewhere nice and quiet, like the woods or a secluded beach, as this also gives your ears a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
• Quit smoking . A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who smoke (or are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke) are much more likely to experience age-related hearing loss.
• Decrease your caffeine and sodium intake. Both caffeine and sodium can have a negative effect on your hearing -- caffeine decreases blood flow to the ears, while sodium increases fluid retention which can lead to swelling in the inner ear. Try switching to decaf coffee and tea and lowering your salt intake. [6] X Research source

Expert Q&A

• If your eardrum is broken, you will feel very intense pain and you won't be able to hear anything on the side with the broken eardrum. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• You can protect your ears from infection by drying them after bathing. You should also avoid swimming in dirty water. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
• Foam earplugs are available at any drugstore. You squeeze the plug to compress it, then stick it in your ear. It will expand to fill your ear canal, muffling some sound. You will still be able to hear what's going on, just not as clearly. Earplugs only lower noise about 29 decibels. This is not enough to make you completely immune to really loud sounds. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/103766.php
• ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/hearing-problems/Pages/tips-to-protect-hearing.aspx
• ↑ http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/100/4/724.full
• ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/ears-ways-to-protect-your-hearing
• ↑ http://www.thesurvivaldoctor.com/2012/10/29/earwax-removal-how-to-clean-out-your-ears-at-home/
• ↑ http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/protect-your-hearing/

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4 Ways To Protect Your Hearing

Alicia L. O'Sullivan, Au.D.

Of all the forms of hearing loss, only one is 100% preventable. It also happens to be one of the most common.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a type of sensorineural hearing loss. This means it affects the hearing nerves which receive the sound which is carried to the brain. It is caused by either persistent exposure to loud noise or in a single blast of sound from a firearm or explosion.

To understand how to protect our hearing, we must first understand the process by which we hear. In order to perceive sound, we first receive it in the outer ear, it is then amplified by the eardrum as vibrations. These vibrations will continue to the inner ear, where ear cells convert these into neural signals. These signals then go through neural networks to the auditory center of the brain to be perceived as sound.

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when problems arise in the latter part of this process. Persistent exposure to loud sound causes damage to the tiny inner ear hair cells. These cells cannot grow back once they are damaged. They fail to pick up the sound around them, which means the brain is left with fewer neural signals to process as sound, leading to a hearing loss.

As mentioned before, this kind of hearing loss is preventable with just a few easy lifestyle changes. Here are four ways to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

Recognize Hazardous Noise Levels

Think about the places you spend a lot of time in, and use a smartphone app to monitor the noise levels that occur in these places. Traffic sounds from the streets on the walk to the subway station. The subway ride itself. The combination of music and conversations at your favorite bar.

All noise at 85 decibels (dB) and above is potentially dangerous to human hearing. And the amount of time you can expose yourself to it gets exponentially shorter the louder it gets. For example, your subway ride is 85dB, and might start to cause damage around 8 hours of continuous exposure.

That might not seem like much, but subway sounds have a habit of going up to 90dB, at which point the amount of accepted exposure will shrink to just 2 hours. To take another example, the average rock concert produces about 100dB of sound which can be enough to damage your hearing after just 15 minutes. If you are surrounded by sound, wear earplugs to help block harmful noise levels and protect your hearing. The right ones can reduce sound by up to 20dB.

Additionally, if you find yourself at a loud sports or music event, take short sound breaks often to give your ears some respite. It’s also a good idea to give your ears a long rest after you’ve been exposed a prolonged period of noise. This will help your ears recover more quickly.

Limit Your Time With Headphones

An overuse of earphones at dangerous volumes might explain we have seen more younger people develop hearing loss in recent years. Experts recommend the 60/60 rule: Keep your listening to 60 min blocks at 60% of the volume. And be sure to take a sound break after every block of listening. It might also be worth investing in a pair of noise-reducing headphones. They will make it less like that you would want to turn the volume up to drown out the subway noise on your way to work.

Take Care When Cleaning Your Ears

Be careful when cleaning your ears or you might be causing hearing damage. Sticking a cotton swab into your ear can force wax deeper inside the ear canal and might even damage the eardrum.

To clean the ear without the temptation to force wax further inside and risk hearing health. The ear has evolved to be self-cleaning, which means you should not have to clean them as vigorously as you might think. The best thing to do is to wipe around the outerwear with a damp cloth.

Get Your Hearing Tested

A key step in protecting your hearing is getting it checked regularly. That way you will build a trail of data about your hearing that any future healthcare professional can use to give you the best treatment in the future. You will also learn about the best ways to preserve you hearing given your current lifestyle.

If you feel you might have hearing loss, the best thing to do is to get a hearing test as soon as possible. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better as it can be treated.  Schedule a hearing test with South Shore Hearing Center today!

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7 Ways to Protect Your Ears and Prevent Hearing Loss

Posted March 27, 2023 by Amy Welman, Au.D.

Did you know that once you lose your hearing, it often can’t be restored? Protecting your hearing and ear health can help prevent hearing loss and related ear diseases as you age.

According to the U.S. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about 15 percent of adults in this country have trouble hearing with one or both ears, with the greatest amount of hearing loss in the 60 to 69 age group.

Fortunately, many common causes of hearing loss can be prevented — and you don’t have to stop doing the things you love! You can keep your ears healthy by protecting them from injury and loud noises, such as concerts and fireworks shows, and staying up to date on immunizations and well visits.

While there is no set hearing screening schedule, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends annual hearing tests for adults beginning at age 60 or those at risk for hearing loss, such as people who work in noisy environments. However, if you notice a change in your hearing, or have ringing or fullness in your ears for more than 24 hours, talk to your healthcare provider.

Summa Health offers seven ways you can take steps now to protect your hearing and reduce your risk for hearing loss later in life—because protecting your hearing is important in all stages of life.

• Avoid loud activities and places whenever possible , such as lawn mowing, power tools and music concerts.
• If you can’t avoid loud noises, wear proper protection. Using hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, will help filter extreme noises and reduce your risk of hearing loss.
• Keep volume low. Keep noise levels on your devices, such as TV, radio and home sound systems at a comfortable level. If you think it’s too loud and you can hear it from another room, it probably is. Don’t forget to keep your volume down on your headphones and earbuds too.
• Give your ears a break. Give your ears periodic breaks from headphones and other loud noises to reduce your exposure. Also, limit your time exposed to noises above 85 decibels, which can cause hearing loss over time.
• Give ears time to heal. If you’ve been exposed to loud noises, try to spend some time in a quiet environment for at least a day to give your ears time to rest and recover.
• Keep up on immunizations. Some illnesses, such as measles, mumps, whooping cough and bacterial infections, can negatively affect your hearing.
• Don’t put anything in your ears. Do not put anything in your ears, including cotton swabs, which can injure the ear canal or eardrum. Instead, clean your ears with a washcloth over your finger. If you have a buildup of earwax that is affecting your hearing, contact your provider to get it removed. Don’t try to remove it yourself.

So, what is too loud?

If you think your ears will get used to loud noises, think again. In fact, if loud noises don’t bother you as much as they once did, you’ve probably already lost some of your hearing.

Over time, listening to sound that’s 85 decibels or higher can cause hearing loss or problems, such as tinnitus, which is when you experience a ringing sound in your ear that won’t go away. The louder a sound is and the longer you’re exposed to it, the more damage it can cause to your hearing.

Even lawn mowers, movie theaters, motorcycles and sporting events can reach levels over 100 decibels. So, how can you tell when a noise is hurting your hearing?

A good rule of thumb is if there’s so much noise around you that you need to talk loudly or even shout when friends are at an arm’s length away, it’s probably hurting your hearing. Another way to tell is to download a sound meter app on your smartphone that measures noise levels in decibels.

The bottom line is if it seems too loud, it probably is, and you should wear earplugs or go somewhere quieter to protect your hearing.

If you’re concerned about hearing loss, talk to your healthcare provider . Hearing loss is often gradual and can go undetected unless checked.

Learn more about our ENT services

About the Author

Amy K. Welman, AuD

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3 Ways to Protect Your Hearing

Can you really prevent hearing loss?

And if you protect your hearing, can you ensure that you will never experience a hearing loss? There are so many factors that can effect your hearing long-term, from loud noise exposure, to genetics, to traumas. As with most things, we can only worry about the things within our control. These 3 ways to protect your hearing are tangible and effective ways to take a proactive approach to your health.

The team at Levine Hearing is committed to helping you live your healthiest and happiest life! We say all the time, “When you hear better, you feel better”. Hearing is an essential way of connecting, not just with the environment around you but most especially with the people around you. We are passionate about educating our community on ways to prevent hearing loss. We visit doctors’ offices monthly to share information for their patients, we write blogs like these and share tips with you in our office.

Control the things you can and let go of those that you can’t. Below are the three most comprehensive points that we can make about ways that you can protect your hearing.

• Maintain Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Did you know that diabetics are twice as likely to develop hearing loss? Those with heart disease are 54% more likely to have a hearing loss. Blood flow is important for the nerves of the ears to thrive and operate correctly. This is not an effort to blame a hearing loss or even the original disease on the individual, as these condition still have genetic, environmental and socioeconomic factors at play. Still, it is important to know that a healthier body overall, is a safer environment for the ear to operate in and therefore protect your hearing. Discuss any diseases or illnesses that you may be concerned about with your primary care doctor.
• Treat Illnesses Promptly: If an infection in the ear is left unchecked, complications can arise that can cause permanent damage. Even illnesses outside of the ear can ultimately result in hearing loss. Strong antibiotics and painkillers can be ototoxic (damaging to the ear), and while these cannot be 100% avoided, the sooner you are able to treat an illness, the less likely that you will need the strongest or longest doses of medications. It is important to be aware of the side effects of drugs before taking them as well. Many medications list hearing loss and possibly tinnitus (ringing or other sound in the ear) as possible side effects. While you can’t avoid them completely, being informed can help you weigh risks as you determine which medications you are willing to take and for what duration.

What if the damage has already happened?

I say to people all the time, “You still have more hearing to lose, so protect it now!”. It is not too late! No matter what your hearing loss looks like, choosing to protect your hearing, avoiding long-term exposure to loud sounds, living a healthy lifestyle and treating illnesses promptly can all help you to preserve your current hearing.

If hearing aids are recommended, just know that wearing them will not further damage your hearing. In fact, hearing aids have built-in compression to keep loud sounds from being overamplified. I still recommend taking them out to put in custom earplugs if you know you are going to encounter noise exposure, but for every day, loud sounds, you can keep them in and they will monitor and control the volume of the sound.

Remember that our hearing screenings are always free at Levine Hearing. We would love to test you and give you a copy of the results for your records. Prevention is always the goal and we are so happy to share these ideas to protect your hearing! Don’t underestimate the importance of a baseline hearing screening. If you do encounter damage to your ears through noise, medications or illnesses, you can actually compare to your previous results. Thank you for reading and leaving any questions or comments below!

3 thoughts on “ 3 Ways to Protect Your Hearing ”

Blog is always interesting and I shared the article on tintinitis with my 80 year old Mom and she’s just now starting to experience it. Wish she didn’t live in Florida or I’d get her in your office!

So, I have irreversible nerve damage and work in a factory like environment 40-50 hours per week. I love that I can turn off my hearing aids and not hear the constant roar and sudden loud noises that happen. It’s funny, people have to actually scream to talk and be very close (with masks, of course) so when they need to communicate with me I can still make out what they are saying. Streaming calming music and meditations in my Bluetooth aids has beesuch a blessing as well while working 10-12 hr days! Thanks Levine Team for ALL YOU DO to keep me being able to stay social and keep a job because I can HEAR!!!

Oh, I’m so happy to read this, Michelle. It is an unspoken benefit that you can actually turn your ears “off” when needed and take a break from hearing. I love that you are using the streaming feature as well. Thank you for sharing!

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How to Prevent Hearing Loss: 6 Tips

Hearing loss happens for various reasons and can vary in severity. Some people have hearing loss from birth, while others may experience it later in life. You might have hearing loss due to aging, improper headphone use, or exposure to loud noises through recreation or your occupation. 

There are two main categories of hearing loss: sensorineural and conductive. The first type, sensorineural, happens when the inner ear or auditory nerve becomes damaged. The damage is usually irreversible. Conductive hearing loss, on the other hand, is often reversible.

Signs of hearing loss include:

• Not understanding people over the phone
• Difficulty following conversations
• Listening to the TV or radio at a very high volume
• Frequently needing people to repeat themselves
• Trouble hearing because of background noise
• Difficulty hearing certain types of voices like high-pitched ones

This article will cover some of the ways you can prevent certain types of hearing loss. 

Age and Hearing Loss

Many people experience hearing loss as they get older. This type of hearing loss, also known as presbycusis , usually happens in both ears at once and can run in families. It also typically occurs gradually.

Don’t assume that age is the reason for your hearing loss, though. Underlying conditions that are more common in older adults may also lead to hearing loss. A stroke (loss of blood flow or a bleed in the brain), for example, can cause hearing loss . Some medications can also contribute to loss of hearing.

Always talk to a doctor if you notice a change in your hearing ability. 

Talk to a Doctor

Because there are many possible causes for hearing loss, including underlying medical conditions, it’s essential to see a doctor when you’re experiencing hearing loss.

They can check for underlying conditions and recommend a suitable treatment option for your type of hearing loss, like a hearing aid or surgery.

If you have sudden hearing loss, it's considered an emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Noise and Hearing Loss

Noise exposure is the most common cause of hearing loss. Modern life involves a lot of loud noises that can affect your ability to hear. Unlike age-related hearing loss, there are ways to prevent noise-related hearing loss.

How to Prevent Hearing Loss

Verywell / Jessica Olah

Get Your Hearing Tested

Regular testing with an audiologist (a health professional specializing in hearing and balance disorders) can help catch problems before they become irreversible. 

Avoid Loud Noises

Staying away from loud noises is the best way to avoid noise-induced hearing loss. If you need to be around loud noises for your job, try taking frequent breaks from noise exposure, if possible. Wear hearing protection devices such as earplugs or noise-reducing earmuffs. 

Additionally, if you’re concerned about noise levels at your workplace, consider talking to your supervisor.

Concert goers who don’t want to sacrifice their favorite leisure activity can try positioning themselves far away from speakers. At home, keeping the volume on devices low and turning on closed-captioning can help keep noise at safe levels.

Wear Hearing Protection

Not everyone can avoid exposure to loud noises. However, wearing proper ear protection can help prevent damage that leads to hearing loss. 

Whether you’re a touring musician or someone who works around loud equipment, wearing earplugs or muffs can help dampen sound and protect your ears. If you engage in hunting or shooting sports, always wear hearing protection when discharging a firearm or you are near others doing so.

Take Care When Wearing Headphones 

Ideally, you shouldn’t blast music in your headphones. You might also consider taking listening breaks every hour or so.

This goes for all types of loud noise since loud sounds cause increasing damage over time: 

• Above 100 decibels: 15 minutes or less.
• Above 110 decibels: One minute or less.

Don’t Smoke 

Evidence suggests that nicotine , a chemical in cigarettes and other tobacco products, can cause hearing loss. You don’t have to smoke yourself to experience tobacco-induced hearing loss. Second-hand smoke can also be a culprit.

Check Side Effects of Medication

Some drugs can also cause hearing loss and may even cause tinnitus or ringing in the ears. These are called ototoxic drugs and include:

• Certain antibiotics
• Some chemotherapy drugs
• Some over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like aspirin
• Some anti-inflammatory drugs

Tinnitus is often the first sign of ototoxicity.

Hearing loss can happen at any age and for many reasons. While age-related hearing loss isn’t usually preventable, you can take steps to prevent noise-induced hearing loss .

You can avoid noise-related hearing loss by getting your hearing regularly tested, avoiding ear-damaging loud sounds, wearing ear protection around loud noises, practicing safe headphone listening, quitting smoking, and stopping medications that cause hearing loss. 

A Word From Verywell 

You can prevent noise-induced hearing loss, but loud noises aren’t always avoidable. They can happen suddenly even when you’re being very careful. 

If you suspect you have some amount of hearing loss, don’t assume it’s noise-induced. Make sure to get a hearing test and see a hearing professional. They can rule out any possible underlying conditions that may be causing your hearing loss and recommend solutions to help restore your hearing or manage your current level of hearing loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. It’s important to keep the volume at a safe level. Experts recommend keeping the volume at about 60% maximum and limiting your listening time to an hour.

Conductive hearing loss is sometimes reversible. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually not. 

No food can magically improve hearing or reverse hearing loss. One 2018 study of women suggests that a healthy diet is linked to a lower risk of hearing loss.

Keep in mind that correlation doesn’t mean causation. But it makes sense that eating healthy can reduce your risk of hearing loss, especially hearing loss due to an underlying condition.

National Institute on Aging. Hearing loss: a common problem for older adults .

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Preventing hearing loss .

Nemours. How can I prevent hearing loss?

Hearing Loss Association of America. Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable .

NYU Langone Health. Preventing hearing loss in adults .

Nemours. Earbuds .

Curhan SG, Wang M, Eavey RD, Stampfer MJ, Curhan GC. Adherence to healthful dietary patterns is associated with lower risk of hearing loss in women . The Journal of Nutrition . 2018;148(6):944-951. doi:10.1093/jn/nxy058

By Steph Coelho Steph Coelho is a freelance health and wellness writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience working on content related to health, wellness, mental health, chronic illness, fitness, sexual wellness, and health-related tech.She's written extensively about chronic conditions, telehealth, aging, CBD, and mental health. Her work has appeared in Insider, Healthline, WebMD, Greatist, Medical News Today, and more.

Three Ways to Protect Your Hearing at Any Age

Loud noises can strike in almost any environment. And the louder the sound, the quicker it can damage your hearing. But noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL, is preventable. Below, we’ll share three ways you can protect your hearing at any age. Plus, for members who might already be experiencing hearing loss, Meritain Health® proudly offers a discount program for savings on hearing aids, batteries, exams and more. Adding this is a simple way for employers to provide hearing support to a benefits plan. Keep reading to see what steps you can take to protect this important and sometimes overlooked one of the five senses.

Why is hearing important to your health?

Hearing well improves how we communicate, understand others and can add to quality of life. It’s an essential part of maintaining our relationships, participating in group activities and holding our own in conversations. In addition, hearing and listening make it possible to enjoy sounds around you, like birds chirping, your favorite music or simple laughter. It can also keep you safe, allowing you to hear alarms, traffic noise and visitors at your door.

As your hearing starts to go, it affects each of these areas of your life. Not being able to hear well makes it difficult to communicate. This sometimes leads people to withdraw or isolate, increasing rates of loneliness, depression or other mental health struggles. Hearing loss also affects how the brain functions, impacting memory, cognitive thinking and even our balance. So, hearing is really important to our physical health, mental health, plus how we engage with the world around us.

Three ways to protect your hearing

Though some hearing loss may simply come with age, protecting against noise-induced hearing loss is in our control. Here are three ways to protect your hearing at any age:

• Lower the volume . This can include anything from turning down the TV, lowering the music on your stereo or headphones or using quieter power tools.
• Move away from the noise . Whenever possible, try to move as far away from the noisiest spots you encounter, like loudspeakers or blaring music at concerts or sporting events. Sounds get quieter as you move further from the source.
• Wear hearing protectors, such as earplugs or protective earmuffs . If you can’t skip noisy activities altogether, use hearing protection. Just be sure to wear these correctly so they block out noise and minimize sound getting in.

Learning more about hearing loss

If you’d like to learn more about protecting your hearing, you can visit resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Or check out It’s a Noisy Planet , a program from the National Institutes of Health. They just wrapped up National Protect Your Hearing Month in October and have plenty of helpful tips and information all year round.

Helping our members hear loud and clear

Our discount program lets members access a variety of discounts on products and services, such as hearing aids, batteries, routine cleaning and repairs, plus cleaning and follow-ups. Offers are provided through Hearing Care Solutions and Amplifon Hearing Health Care .

Check for information in your open enrollment packets or log in to view your member materials to learn more. If you’re an employer or plan sponsor interested in finding out more, contact your Meritain Health representative.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant as medical advice.

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/how_do_i_prevent_hearing_loss.html

https://www.noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.gov/

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5 Ways to Prevent Hearing Loss

Few people are taking the steps that can protect their ears from the damage loud noise can cause, says a new study, sharing is nice.

We respect your privacy . All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.

Wearing protective devices such as earplugs or ear muffs in noisy situations can reduce your exposure to loud sounds that can damage your hearing.

But few people appear to be taking this simple step during leisure activities, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis, published in the MMWE. 

In fact, only about 8 percent of Americans reported consistently wearing protective hearing devices during loud sporting and entertainment events, according to the CDC analysis of a 2018 survey of 6,357 people across the U.S.  

That's a problem, say experts. "Sound intensity at recreational events can reach hazardous levels and may remain high for the duration of the event, thereby increasing the risk for hearing damage," the authors say.

Here, what you need to know to protect your ears from too much noise—and the surprising factors that can damage your hearing.

Most people with hearing loss are older adults, and for them, factors such as natural changes in the inner ear are common contributors.

But hearing issues can occur at any age. "Hearing loss is generally seen as a regular part of aging, but now we're starting to recognize it as a big problem" for everyone, says Paul Dybala, Ph.D., an audiologist and president of Healthy Hearing, a website devoted to educating people on hearing issues.

In fact, last spring, the World Health Organization  forecasted  that by 2050, an estimated 900 million people around the world will have a disabling hearing loss. That's a 93 percent jump from the current 466 million people.

What's behind the increase? The population of older adults is growing, WHO reports. But other hearing-harming culprits include exposure to loud sounds from personal audio devices such as smartphones and iPods, rock concerts, loud bars, and noisy workplaces; the side effects of certain medications;  ear infections ; and the persistence worldwide of illnesses such as measles,  mumps , and rubella. 

Some hearing risk factors may affect younger people disproportionately. For instance, a  WHO report  from 2015 found that almost half of those between ages 12 and 35 crank up their personal audio devices to unsafe levels.

Surprising Reasons for Hearing Loss

In a world full of noise—honking vehicles, amplified music, power mowers, and jackhammers—it's important to take steps to safeguard your hearing. But some of the sounds you'll want to protect yourself from might surprise you.

For example, you probably expect your ears to ring after a rock concert, but they might do the same after a fireworks display. In fact, hearing experts say just one exposure to a typical pyrotechnics show can permanently damage your hearing.

And according to the  CDC , having a dog barking in your ear can harm your hearing in just a couple of minutes. 

Loud bursts of noise aren't the only problem, however. Over time, even sounds that may seem innocuous, such as the constant hum of a loud window air conditioner or refrigerator, can cause damage.

How to Prevent Hearing Loss

1. Know what's risky. Sounds are measured in decibels (dBA). Though individual tolerances vary, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends that workplace exposure be below 85 dBA throughout an 8-hour workday. Legal workplace limits are 90 dBA. (For comparison, handheld hair dryers can emit 77 to 92 dBA.)

Consumer Reports' health and safety experts say that prolonged exposure to 70 dBA—the sound produced by a shower—or less is safe for most people.

Experts generally agree that sounds exceeding 100 dBA—a level that can easily be surpassed by rock concerts, sporting events, movie theaters, gas lawn mowers and snow blowers, some MP3 players played at maximum volume, and fireworks displays—can be hazardous even in short bursts. 

2. Block out loud sounds.  If you're stuck in a noisy space, you can dampen the sound with earmuffs or earplugs. Foam earplugs are a low-tech, inexpensive way to protect your ears. You can find them at any drugstore for about $3.50 for a set of 10. Earplugs are even sold at many concerts, right alongside the T-shirts.

If you want to ensure that you get the maximum sound quality at concerts, head to an audiologist for custom-fitted earplugs. They're more expensive than the foam type but will let in a richer sound at a live show.

3. Use headphones wisely.  One-fifth of teenagers are estimated to have some form of hearing loss, which experts attribute to the ever-increasing use of headphones and earbuds.

The easiest way to help prevent hearing loss from personal listening devices such as iPhones and MP3 players is to follow the 60/60 rule: Listen at no more than 60 percent of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes per day. Using  over-the-ear headphones —especially the noise-canceling kind—instead of earbuds may also help prevent damage. 

4. Make sure your ears are clear.  Sometimes keeping hearing sharp means nothing more than ensuring that nothing is blocking the ear canal, such as impacted earwax .

"A percentage of people, particularly those who are younger and who have early losses, have correctable things as simple as wax," says James C. Denneny III, M.D., CEO of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. This is also common in people who wear hearing aids, where the lack of air ventilation in the ears can cause wax buildup.

And if you do clean your ears with cotton swabs or use cotton balls as earplugs, any cotton residue can interfere with your hearing.

Have your doctor check your ears for an overabundance of earwax or bits of cotton if you have any concerns. "I would encourage people to at least have a basic exam to start with and then work from there," Denneny says. In both cases, your doctor can clear the way.

But do break the cotton ball/cotton swab habit; it's potentially dangerous.  Research  published in 2017 in the Journal of Pediatrics found that 34 U.S. kids are treated in emergency rooms every day as a result of injuries caused by cotton swabs in the ear. In fact, experts say, don't put any object in your ears unless it's under a doctor's supervision.

5. Punch up your healthy habits.  Making a few  lifestyle tweaks , such as improving your diet and getting more physical activity, may be good for your hearing. Last May, researchers from Harvard University published a study in The Journal of Nutrition that analyzed the eating patterns of nearly 71,000 women for 22 years. Those who followed the most healthful eating plans—including the Mediterranean diet (which emphasizes fruits, nuts, veggies, whole grains, legumes , and fish) and the DASH diet (which limits red and processed meats, sodium, and sugar )—had about a 30 percent lower risk of hearing loss than those who ate less healthfully.

The researchers think a nutritious diet may help protect against hearing loss by keeping the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the inner ear healthy.

High blood glucose levels and smoking may damage these blood vessels as well. In fact, according to the American Diabetes Association, hearing loss is twice as common in people with type 2 diabetes as it is in others. And a large study from Japan , published in March in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research, suggested that smoking is associated with a higher risk of hearing loss.

For these reasons, experts say, it's important to eat right , aim to quit smoking if you do smoke, and  incorporate exercise —which can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes—into your regular routine.

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For 80 years, Consumer Reports has been testing products and working to create a fairer, safer, and healthier marketplace. Click  here  to learn more about Consumer Reports' mission as a nonprofit organization. To help support our work, please consider making a  tax-deductible donation . You can also show support by liking us on  Facebook  and following us on  Twitter  (@ConsumerReports).

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Preserve Your Hearing With These 10 Easy Tips

by Jonathan Lipschutz Audiologist, M.S., F-AAA, Owner | Feb 28, 2020 | Hearing Loss Prevention , Patient Resources

Although senior citizens are in the age group representing the highest risk for hearing loss, a startling prevalence of hearing loss in younger people is noted in a World Health Organization (WHO) report. The report estimated that approximately 1.1 billion teens and young adults are suffering from varying degrees of hearing loss due to frequent or prolonged exposure to loud noise from personal listening devices and noisy entertainment venues. As part of my effort to help prevent any further damage from hearing loss, here are ten easy tips for preserving your hearing.

1. Avoid Exposure to Loud and Prolonged Noise

A loud noise, such as an explosion or the firing of a weapon, can cause damage to your hearing. Just as likely, if not more so, harm can also come from moderately loud noise over a prolonged period. Avoiding these situations will help prevent hearing loss from noise damage.

2. Use Noise Protection

Those who cannot prevent extreme noise levels or prolonged moderate noise levels for various cultural, environmental, or occupational reasons can avoid damaging hearing loss by wearing noise protection. A wide variety of earplugs, ear molds, noise-canceling headphones, earmuffs, and wadding products are available to fit specific circumstances.

3. Protect Your Ears

Prolonged exposure to sub-zero weather is another common cause of hearing loss, as are traumatic injuries from sports and dangerous occupations. Protect your ears by keeping them warm and/or using proper headgear for sports and occupational activities.

4. Maintain Optimal Overall Health

Inflammation, infections, and the use of ototoxic drugs (prescription or non-prescription) are some of the overall health problems that can damage your hearing. Maintaining a lifestyle that avoids poor nutrition, smoking, illicit drugs, high levels of stress, and prolonged inactivity dramatically reduces the risk of health conditions that can damage hearing.

5. Be Conscious of Your Family History

Various types of hearing loss are a result of genetics. Knowing your family history concerning hearing loss allows audiologists to provide early intervention and treatment before hearing loss takes a more dramatic toll.

6. Know the Warning Signs of Hearing Loss

Early detection and treatment are among the best ways to head off hearing damage. Become familiar with the warning signs of hearing loss and schedule an assessment with an audiologist if you are experiencing any of them.

7. Listen to Friends and Family

Friends and family will often recognize that you have a hearing problem before you do. Untreated hearing loss continues to cause irreversible damage. Listen to family and friends when they begin to notice that you are struggling with your hearing.

8. Regular Hearing Checkups

Whether you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a hearing loss or not, you should develop a habit of having regular (annual) hearing checkups to establish a hearing capacity baseline. From this baseline, audiologists can quickly identify and intervene in minor hearing loss issues before they become significant issues.

9. Follow the Advice of Your Audiologist

It accomplishes nothing to have regular checkups with an audiologist but then refuses to follow their advice. Audiologists often recommend various lifestyle changes or protective measures to prevent hearing damage. If you follow their help, you can head off damage before it gets worse.

10. Use Your Hearing Aid

Hearing aids not only allow you to hear better, but they also have a significant impact on your overall health as well. Your audiologist has fitted you with a hearing aid to improve your overall health and prevent added damage to your hearing. So, use your hearing aid.

I take stock in the adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The team at Berkeley Hearing Center, and I want to encourage you to continue to be aware of the various ways to prevent hearing loss and make a commitment to following these ten tips. Contact us for more advice about avoiding hearing loss, or request a callback by a Berkeley Hearing Center specialist to have your questions answered or to book an appointment.

Do you know somebody that needs to see this? Why not share it?

Jonathan Lipschutz Audiologist, M.S., F-AAA, Owner

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This isn’t just a “job.” It’s an opportunity to be part of a locally respected and passionate team that has built a stellar reputation as the most caring, trustworthy, and experienced audiological groups in the San Francisco East Bay Area.

We’re now seeking somebody that wants to join our team, show us the commitment that we’ll show them, and be part of shaping the future of Audiology in the East Bay.

The truth is, we’ve developed a very special culture, and we’re absolutely committed to maintaining it. The person that we hire has to be a great fit, and we’re prepared to wait until the perfect match comes along.

Although your education and experience plays a key role in this process, your personality traits and attitude are key priorities. If this is how your co-workers and friends would describe you, then we may be the ideal match:

• Always happy, smiles a lot, positive attitude, always a pleasure to be around.
• Friendly, warm, caring, a people person – which comes across the very first time you meet someone, even on the telephone.
• Patient, compassionate, helpful especially with older people. Even temperament, calm, always pleasant, unflappable. Has a knack for being able to turn a frown into a smile.
• Committed, dedicated, a great teammate, pitches in without being asked, puts team accomplishments ahead of individual accomplishments.
• Accurate, detailed, wants to get things right, double checks their own work, makes very few mistakes
• Owns it: accepts responsibility, credits others for successes and accepts responsibility for failures. Always looking for a constructive way to solve a problem.
• Coachable, accepts feedback with a positive attitude. Always looking for ways to grow and improve.
• Reliable, dependable, doesn’t just arrive on time: often comes in a little early to make sure they’re prepared for the day; willing to stay late when there’s work that needs to be done or a patient needs us

These statements also describe the people you’ll be working alongside, meaning that you’ll quickly discover that this is much more than a group of co-workers, but it feels like “your kind of people.”

We have spoken about whether you’re the right fit for this role and you’re still reading this, which indicates that you have the personality traits/attitude that we’re looking for. So, let’s now look at the specific duties of the role.

As an Audiologist, you will be playing a key role in helping our patients to achieve a lifetime of better hearing while ensuring the highest level standards of care that our reputation has been built upon.

Your job will be to ensure that every patient feels like our only patient.

Duties include:

• Connecting Through Assessments : Initiate a bond by understanding each patient's unique hearing journey. Comprehensive assessments give insights into their personal experiences, needs, and aspirations.
• Sound Sculpting : Employ a range of audiometric tests tailored to each individual. It's about crafting a personal sound experience, enabling them to revel in every auditory detail of their surroundings.
• Navigating Choices Together : Be the guiding hand when it comes to treatment (i.e. hearing aids, ALDs, aural rehabilitation, etc). With so many choices out there, your expertise helps in ensuring every patient gets the tailored care they need and deserve.
• Ongoing Support : Build trust and demonstrate you care by being available for check-ups, reprogramming, or even a chat. Whether it's a tune-up for their device or easing their concerns, you're their go-to person.
• Heartfelt Counseling : This journey has its ups and downs. Go beyond the ‘tech’ talk. We don’t ‘sell hearing aids’, we provide the highest level of hearing healthcare. Offer a listening ear, provide support, and address emotional concerns linked to hearing challenges.
• Embracing Continuous Learning : As the audiology landscape evolves, immerse yourself in the latest advancements. And then? Share that knowledge, bringing optimism and hope to those you care for.

If the above sounds like the kind of role that you have been waiting for, at the type of practice that you want to be part of, then here’s what we’re looking for from you.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate is honorable, caring, intelligent, enthusiastic, outgoing and team oriented. You should be ready to perform medically relevant diagnostics, including audiometry and immittance, as well as treatment-focused testing such as speech-in-noise testing (QuickSIN) and loudness discomfort levels.

You are passionate about working with state-of-the-art amplification/assistive technology, improving lives with your care, counseling and technological solutions.

You will be expected to improve proficiency with hearing aid dispensing and ongoing hearing aid management with electroacoustic analysis and probe microphone measurements.

Skills expected to have mastered:

• Diagnostics: Comprehensive Hearing Assessment (Pure tone air/bone conduction audiometry, word recognition testing (quiet & noise)
• Immittance testing - tympanometry, acoustic reflexes, reflex decay
• Tinnitus Assessment, Management and Counseling
• Dispensing: Hearing Aid Sales and Counseling
• Hearing Aid Electroacoustic Analysis
• Probe Microphone/Real Ear Measurements
• Counsel/Instruct Patients in Aural Rehabilitation Skills/Techniques

As you’re still reading, then you must like the sound of our culture, believe you’re the right personality fit for the role, and have the experience/qualifications that we’re looking for. Finally, let’s discuss the wage and benefits of being part of this journey.

The base wage includes a salary of between $100,000 and $150,000 per annum based on your experience. Plus, with a generous commission structure, a take home salary of up to $300,000 per year is realistic for the right individual.

Additional benefits include:

• Competitive commission structure, offering the potential to double or even triple compensation based on clear sales goals.
• Comprehensive health insurance covering 100% of the Silver plan premium.
• Dental insurance with 90% premium coverage.
• Profit Sharing/401k plan.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave.
• Enjoy fun office events happening at least three times a year.
• Access to ongoing education, including coverage for association memberships and attendance at one conference per year.
• Opportunities for career progression.
• Monthly "non-work" lunches where we provide the food and discuss anything except work.
• Engage in community giving back and potential humanitarian trips overseas.
• Located in the vibrant city of Berkeley, with excellent food, perfect weather, exciting cultural events (concerts, sports, festivals, etc.), and easy access to both the beach and mountains.

If you believe that this is the right fit for you both you and us, then we would love to talk.

Please send your resume over as well as any additional information that you believe will make you stand out and capture our attention.

We very much look forward to hearing from you.

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How to protect your ears: A cartoon guide

Margaret Cirino

Kaz Fantone

If you find yourself in loud clubs, concerts or cities, you might be doing more damage to your hearing than you think. People of all ages are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss, but few of us know what to do about it.

In this comic, narrated by an adorable cartoon ear, we learn about the role of hair cells in the ear, hearing issues that may be a concern and how to protect your ears. Hint: go easy on the Q-tips!

This comic is based on interviews with Barbara Kelley , executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, and Dr. Ariella Naim, a senior audiologist at Audio Help Hearing Center .

The comic was written and drawn by Kaz Fantone. The audio portion of this episode was produced by Margaret and Melia Agudelo and edited by Sylvie Douglis. The digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823 , or email us at [email protected] .

Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify , or sign up for our newsletter .

The Dos and Don’ts of Hearing Safety

The importance of hearing safety.

Hearing safety is vital for maintaining your hearing abilities and avoiding hearing loss. This loss significantly impacts communication, social interactions, and overall life quality. 

The Prevalence and Impact of Hearing Loss

About 10% of Americans experience hearing loss that hampers speech understanding. Noise exposure is the leading cause. Workers often develop adaptive strategies to cope with gradual hearing loss. The effects of noise, including tinnitus (persistent ringing in the ears), can be severe. However, preventing further damage is possible at any stage of hearing loss.

Explore more about different types of hearing loss . 

Understanding How the Ear Functions

• Ear Anatomy: The ear comprises the outer, middle, and inner parts. The outer ear leads to the ear canal, ending at the eardrum. The middle ear contains small bones that transmit sound to the inner ear, where the auditory nerve sends sound signals to the brain.
•  How Sound is Processed: Sound waves enter the ear, vibrate the eardrum, and go through the middle ear bones to the inner ear. Here, they become nerve impulses sent to the brain, which interprets them as sounds.
• The Impact of Loud Noise: Excessive noise damages the inner ear’s nerve endings, leading to hearing loss. This damage is cumulative and irreversible, emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.

Why Does Hearing Safety Matter? 

Here’s an in-depth look at why hearing safety matters:

• Preventing Hearing Damage: Loud sounds can harm the inner ear’s delicate hair cells, causing irreversible hearing loss. This is a global public health issue affecting millions. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is preventable mainly by safeguarding your ears.
• Maintaining Communication and Social Life: Hearing loss can hinder speech understanding, especially amid noise. This often leads to social withdrawal, diminished confidence, and relationship struggles. Protecting your ears ensures effective communication and active participation in social events.
• Avoiding Emotional and Mental Health Problems: Hearing loss connects to loneliness, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and higher dementia risk. Preserving your hearing is crucial for emotional and mental health.
• Enhancing Life Quality: Good hearing enriches life experiences, from enjoying music and nature sounds to engaging in conversations and learning. Protecting your ears allows you to appreciate life’s auditory aspects fully. Remember, 10% of Americans have hearing loss that impairs everyday speech understanding. Noise is the leading cause.
• Adapting to Long-term Hearing Loss: Many with long-term hearing loss adapt to its gradual onset. Noise’s impact is real and potentially devastating. Tinnitus, a constant ear ringing, can be unbearable for some. Regardless of your current hearing state, preventing further damage is crucial. Even those with severe loss should strive to preserve their remaining hearing.

In summary, hearing safety is not just about preventing hearing loss; it’s about preserving your quality of life and emotional well-being and connecting with the world around you.

Understand more about the importance of hearing health.  

Do’s and Don’ts of Ear Protection: Hearing Safety Tips

Understanding decibels and noise impact.

Recognizing which sounds are safe and pose a risk to our auditory health is essential.

• Decibel Levels Explained: Sound levels are measured in decibels (dBA). Safe sounds are typically at or below 70 dBA. Noise above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. Examples include regular conversations (60-70 dBA), lawnmowers (80-100 dBA), motorcycles (80-110 dBA), concerts (94-110 dBA), sirens (110-129 dBA), and fireworks (140-160 dBA).
• Noise and Hearing Loss: Prolonged or intense noise exposure damages hearing. This damage is irreversible. Continual exposure above 85 decibels is hazardous. Impact sounds, like gunshots, are especially harmful. Even brief exposure can be damaging.
• Additional Effects of Noise: Beyond hearing loss, noise exposure can lead to tinnitus, anxiety, increased pulse rate, and reduced task efficiency.

Embracing effective hearing safety practices is essential for maintaining long-term ear health. These practices help you keep your hearing sharp and protected in various environments.

The Do’s of Hearing Safety Tips

• Monitor Noise Levels: Use apps like NIOSH’s Sound Level Meter to assess environmental noise risks.
• Wear Proper Ear Protection: Use earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments, like shooting ranges or industrial settings.
• Lower Volume Settings: Keep the volume of devices at a safe level to prevent long-term hearing damage.
• Regular Hearing Check-ups: Schedule annual hearing tests, especially if you’re frequently exposed to loud noises.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about hearing risks and share knowledge with friends and family.
• Follow Workplace Safety Protocols: Adhere to safety guidelines in noisy work environments.
• Practice Healthy Ear Care: Keep ears clean and dry. Avoid inserting foreign objects into the ear canal.
• Take Breaks from Noise: Allow your ears time to recover after exposure to loud environments.
• Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: Opt for noise-canceling headphones to enjoy audio at lower volumes.
• Stay Aware of Environmental Noise: Be conscious of noise levels in your daily surroundings and take steps to minimize exposure.

Discover more about foods for hearing health . 

The Don’ts of Hearing Safety Tips

• Avoid Excessive Noise: Steer clear of prolonged loud noises, such as concerts or fireworks, to prevent inner ear damage.
• Don’t Use Cotton Swabs: Avoid cleaning ears with swabs or picks. They can harm the ear canal and eardrum.
• Limit High-Volume Music: Keep music and podcast volumes moderate. High volumes over time can gradually damage hearing.
• Heed Warning Signs: Pay attention to hearing loss indicators. Consult an audiologist if you notice any symptoms.
• Use Hearing Protection: Always wear earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments to protect your hearing.
• Seek Professional Help Promptly: Don’t delay treatment for hearing concerns. Early intervention is critical.
• Avoid Self-Treatment: Consult professionals for hearing issues rather than using unverified methods.
• Limit Headphone Use: Use headphones moderately and take breaks to rest your ears.
• Address Workplace Noise Risks: Engage with employers about hearing protection if your job involves loud noises.
• Prioritize Hearing Safety: Make hearing protection a daily habit to ensure long-term ear health.

By adhering to these do’s and don’ts, you can effectively protect your hearing and enjoy a lifetime of healthy auditory experiences.

Choosing the Right Safety Hearing Protection

Selecting the right hearing protection is vital to prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and protect your ears from harmful noise levels. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice:

Key Factors for Selecting Ear Protection

Understanding the specific factors for choosing hearing protection is vital to safeguarding your ears effectively.

• Noise Level: Know the decibel level of your environment. Concerts (90-110 dB), power tools (100-115 dB), and fireworks (up to 145 dB) are examples of high-decibel settings.
• Duration of Exposure: Longer exposure times, even to moderate noise levels, can cause hearing damage.
• Type of Noise: Different noises, like continuous or impulsive (e.g., gunshots), require specific protection types.
• Comfort and Fit: Choose a comfortable, well-fitting option to ensure effective protection.
• Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): Select a hearing protector with a suitable NRR for sufficient noise reduction.

Types of Safety Hearing Protection

Different situations call for various types of hearing protection, each with its unique features and benefits.

• Earplugs: Available in formable foam, pre-molded, and custom-made varieties. They are inserted into the ear canal, available in foam, silicone, or wax, with varying NRRs.
• Earmuffs: Cover the entire outer ear and offer higher NRR but may be less comfortable in heat.
• Dual Protection: In extremely loud environments, use earplugs and earmuffs together for maximum protection.
• Canal Caps: Feature a stiff band, useful for intermittent noise exposure.

Hearing Safety Tips on Usage and Maintenance

Maintaining your hearing protection devices is crucial for their longevity and effectiveness.

• Regular Inspection: Check for wear and tear; replace damaged protectors.
• Proper Storage: Keep in a clean, dry place.
• Education: Share knowledge about hearing safety.

When to Wear Hearing Protectors

Wear them in noisy settings like auto races, concerts, shooting sports, and loud workplaces. Keep them handy for unexpected loud noises, and cover your ears if caught off guard. Select comfortable, easy-to-use protectors and allow communication in noisy environments. Consult a hearing health professional for advice or custom-made options. Remember, proper fit and consistent use are fundamental to effective hearing protection.

By understanding the factors for selection, the types available, and their proper use and maintenance, you can effectively prevent noise-induced hearing loss and ensure a lifetime of healthy hearing.

Embrace Hearing Safety Protection with American Hearing + Audiology

Hearing safety tips are more than a precaution; they are a commitment to preserving your quality of life and maintaining your connection to the world. The first step is to understand the importance of safety hearing protection for your ears. From knowing when to wear ear protectors to choosing the right type, each action you take contributes to your auditory health. As you navigate the challenges of noise exposure in everyday life, remember that the proper guidance and tools are essential in this journey. If you’re seeking expert advice on hearing protection or need custom solutions tailored to your lifestyle, American Hearing + Audiology is here to help. Contact us for personalized assistance in choosing the ideal hearing protection and embracing a future of clear, vibrant sound. Your hearing is invaluable; let’s protect it together

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Three Tips for Choosing the Right Hearing Protector

We live in a noisy world. Some noises can damage our hearing, leading to hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and difficulty communicating especially in background noise. Permanent noise-induced hearing damage is incurable. If you cannot reduce your noise exposure by turning down the volume, moving away from the sound, or limiting the time you are exposed, hearing protection is your only option. But hearing protection comes in so many styles, materials, color, and sizes – how can you know which is best for you? National Protect Your Hearing Month is the perfect opportunity to discuss tips for picking the right hearing protector.

Figure 1: Selection of different hearing protection devices – Earplugs, Earmuffs, and Earbands

1) Know How Much Noise Reduction You Need

Obviously, the first consideration in choosing a hearing protector is whether it will block enough noise to reduce your exposure to a safe level. The good news is that most industrial noise exposures are less than 95 dBA, which means most workers require no more than about 10 dB of noise reduction to meet the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of 85 dBA. Almost any hearing protector, when fit correctly, can provide 10 dB of sound reduction. If you do not know the noise levels at your worksite, you can measure them with an app such as the NIOSH Sound Level Meter .

Louder environments demand higher levels of noise reduction, but beware of reducing sound too much. Just as too little light can make it just as difficult to see as too much light, too little sound can make you feel isolated and less aware of their surroundings. Overprotection can be counterproductive, as you may feel the need to remove your hearing protector to hear someone speak or listen to your equipment. Aim for just enough noise reduction to bring your exposure down to 75-85 dBA.

The Noise Reduction Rating on hearing protector packaging represents the amount of noise the hearing protector blocked when tested in a laboratory, but workers usually get much less noise reduction on the job. The best way to know how much noise reduction you are getting from a hearing protector is by fit-testing . If fit-testing is not available at your workplace, you can check earplug fit by counting out loud while slowly cupping and uncupping your hands over your ears; if you have a good fit, your voice should sound about the same as you cup and uncup your ears. NIOSH QuickFitWeb can also be used to check if you are getting more or less than 15 dB of sound reduction.

If you are exposed to noise levels 100 dBA or greater (such as chainsaws or jackhammers) or if you are exposed to impulsive sounds (such as nail gun or weapons noise), you should wear double hearing protection (earmuffs over earplugs).

2) Think About Your Worksite and Job Tasks

Workplace characteristics beyond noise levels also need to be considered in choosing the right hearing protector. For example, do you have to wear other head-level personal protective equipment (PPE), such as eye protection, a hard hat, or a respirator? Eye protection (and even some eyeglasses) can interfere with the seal of an earmuff around the ear, allowing sound to leak into the ear. Earmuffs can interfere with the fit of hardhats or helmets; some muffs have a “low-profile” headband or are designed to be mounted directly onto a hardhat or helmet, eliminating this problem. Make sure that your hearing protection is compatible with other safety equipment you use at work.

Consider also whether the noise at your job is continuous or if it stops and starts at various times during the day. Do you stay in the same place for most of the workday, or move from one area to another? Earmuffs are easier to remove and replace than earplugs, so they may be better for intermittent noise exposures. If earmuffs are not an option due to other issues (e.g., compatibility with other PPE), pre-formed earplugs may be easier to remove and replace than foam plugs. Level-dependent or sound restoration hearing protectors can also be useful for intermittent exposures; these types of hearing protection allow sound to pass through when the background noise levels are low and become protective when noise levels increase.

Do your hands frequently get dirty at work? If so, avoid using foam earplugs which must be rolled down with your fingers before insertion, unless hand-washing facilities are readily available and you have time to wash up each time you need to insert the earplugs. Do you work in a tight space? Earmuffs may not be compatible when working in a confined area. Is it very hot or very cold where you work?   Earmuffs can be uncomfortable in hot environments; earmuff cushions can become ineffective in very cold environments.

Finally, think about how frequently you need to hear speech while wearing hearing protection. If spoken communication is common, or if high fidelity sound is important for other reasons (e.g., musicians), flat attenuation hearing protectors may be helpful. Special communication headsets can also improve speech communication in very loud environments.

3) Decide What is Most Comfortable and Convenient

Once you have narrowed your selection down to hearing protectors that are appropriate for your noise exposure and compatible with your worksite and job tasks, the choice is completely up to you! However, hearing protection only works if you wear it consistently and correctly every time you are exposed to hazardous noise, so choose a protector that is comfortable and convenient.

Many people find earplugs more comfortable than earmuffs, especially when worn for long periods of time or in in hot environments. Earplugs are lightweight, easy to store, and convenient to keep on hand for unexpected exposures. However, earplugs may be harder to learn to fit properly. Some earplugs come in different sizes, so you may need help determining which size is correct for you. If your ear canals are very narrow or very curvy, it may be difficult to find an earplug that will fit. Earplugs are usually inexpensive, but they need to be replaced frequently; some earplugs are designed to be used once only and then discarded.

Earmuffs, on the other hand, are generally one-size devices. Many people find them easier to fit properly and consistently. Earmuffs are easier to remove and replace quickly, so they can be preferable for intermittent use. They are bulkier than earplugs and may be uncomfortable in warm places or tight spaces. They are more expensive, but more durable and last longer than earplugs.

Hearing health relies on knowing how to protect your hearing and how to select the right form of hearing protection. This National Protect Your Hearing Month , take a few minutes to make sure you are using the best hearing protection for your work tasks. Then, wear it every time you are exposed to noise levels above 85 dBA. Your ears will thank you!

CAPT William J. Murphy, Ph.D., is a research physicist with the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology.

Christa L. Themann, MA, CCC-A, is a research audiologist with the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology.

CAPT Chucri (Chuck) A. Kardous, MS, PE, is a research engineer with the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology.

CAPT David C. Byrne, Ph.D., CCC-A, is a research audiologist with the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology.

Additional resources:

NIOSH Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Best practice bulletin: Hearing protection-emerging trends: Individual Fit Testing

Hearing protection – OSH WIKI

37 comments on “Three Tips for Choosing the Right Hearing Protector”

Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. Read more about our comment policy » .

Unfortunately, I needed hearing protection from car collisions occurring in a canyon on a roadway. I have a very good set of noise cancelling headset that is sufficient for my regular hearing protection needs. However, I do still suffer some pain and loss in the ear most affected by the car collision reververation sound. The other ear is minorly affected by the echo off the canyon wall. I did report this to an insurance agent.

i was never aware of the factors which should be considered while choosing a hearing protector. thank you for the information

Very informative article. Looking forward to more posts in near future.

Good points. I prefer the muffs, actually radio muffs, which have worked well for me. Years ago I started with custom made earplugs, they certainly lasted and were good value for the price but of course, I couldn’t communicate with other wearers on my team.

I’ve seen warnings on almost every brand of hearing protection radio ear muff warning about carcinogens. “Cancer and Reproductive Harm” may be caused by the materials used to make the product ( P65 Warnings.Ca.gov). Please let me know if you know of any radio muff that is made of non-carcinogenic materials? Thank you!

Your post really a great post, it’s very useful for me. Thanks for sharing these!

Great piece of content on hearing protection.

When there is no retreat, the potential will be exerted.

Looking for recommendations on hearing protection (ear muff type) that fit over glasses.

That is a great question! In general, earmuffs are not recommended when you also have to wear eyeglasses or safety glasses. The temple piece creates a leak in the seal of the muff around the ear, which reduces the amount of sound reduction. For safety glasses, you can avoid the leakage problem by using safety glasses which attach around the head with Velcro straps (making sure the straps go over the muffs or under the headband to avoid the cushions surrounding the ear). For eyeglasses, if earplugs are not an option, choose a frame with the narrowest temple piece possible. Be aware that anything that disrupts the seal of the earmuff cushion will reduce the amount of noise reduction. If this cannot be avoided, you should be fit-tested to ensure you are getting enough sound attenuation despite the leak.

Good to hear about the ear protector from this informative article. It gives me advanced knowledge about ear protectors and their benefits. Looking forward to recommending this article to my colleagues.

After reading your article, I realized that I used to wear earplugs in the wrong way. Thank you very much for your explanation of this article. I would also like to know if you have more earplugs or other hearing protection devices recommended. I hope you can give me a reference.

You are absolutely correct and thanks for giving information about hearing protection . I loved your blog and thanks for publishing this!! I am really happy to come across this exceptionally well written content. Thanks for sharing and look for more in future!!

This article is helpful because everything discusses hearing protection. I am happy for your well written of the article. I learned so from your content. Thank you for publishing knowledgeable content.

It has good detail explained in an easy to understand way! Love this site.

Can Noise Reducing/Noise Cancelling Earbuds be utilized as hearing protection?

Thanks for checking with us about using noise reducing/cancelling earbuds as hearing protection. Unfortunately, the answer is “no.” Devices used for reducing occupational noise have to be labelled with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The NRR reflects results of standardized tests to evaluate the noise reduction properties of the hearing protector. Without an NRR, it is impossible to estimate how much noise reduction the earbud provides. In addition, devices meant for use as hearing protectors are designed to completely seal the ear canal (earplugs) or around the external ear (earmuffs). Most noise cancelling earbuds and headphones are not designed to seal as tightly, so noise can leak through.

Using noise reducing/noise cancelling earbuds or headphones in lieu of hearing protection can create additional safety concerns as well. People who listen to music under these devices often increase the volume to a level even louder than the workplace noise, which can put the worker at risk for hearing loss. It also can be a distraction or make it hard for the worker to hear important environmental sounds, such as back-up alarms, putting the worker at risk for accidents.

Additional information about hearing protection can be found on our updated webpage .

Dear sir this content is very useful and wonderful wtriteing style and i am red completed this artilce beleive me

I read that although I may use a 33 NRR ear plug, I’m only getting a 13 DB reduction. Calc is 33-7 / 2 for 13. This is very confusing, as I see some earplugs with an NRR rating of 15 and 10, if the calc is correct , say, 10-7 / 2 would only be a DB reduction of 1.5. What is the value of having these lower NRR ratings? MY older snow blower pushes out 95DB, thus I would need to have both earplugs with a rating of 33 and ear muff (combined you only get 36) , to get close to a 15DB reduction. 36-7 /2 = 14.5 Am I understanding this correctly? If this correct, folks that bought ear plugs or muffs with a rating of 15, might be thinking they are getting a reduction of 15DB.

Thanks for your comment. You hit the nail on the head regarding the problem with simply de-rating the NRR. While, as this blog pointed out, the NRR is a laboratory measured noise reduction value that often over-estimates the amount of protection someone gets with everyday use, a de-rated NRR is still just an educated guess. Most people – especially with training – will get more protection than the de-rated value. At the same time, some will get even less protection than the derated NRR. The only way to know how much sound reduction you are actually getting from your earplug is to have it fit-tested , which measures the sound in your ear with and without the hearing protector in place. Some employers and many audiologists offer hearing protector fit-testing. If you cannot be fit-tested, then the alternatives mentioned in the blog are good ways to know whether you are sufficiently protected from most loud sounds. Noise from lawn mowers typically ranges from around 86 to 96 dBA so about 10 dB of sound reduction is sufficient. Using the hand-cupping check or NIOSH QuickFitWeb , as described in the blog, will help you know whether your earplugs are giving you this much protection.

If we are not comfortable in wearing ear muffs in our work place, do we need to still wear it?

Comfort is always an integral part in the selection and use of hearing protection devices, along with other considerations discussed in this blog. If noise levels consistently exceed 85 decibels (A weighted) in the workplace, and in the absence of engineering and other noise control measures, hearing protection is required to protect workers against hazardous exposure. Provided they are compatible with your job tasks, exposure level, and other personal protective equipment, earplugs might be a more comfortable alternative.

In the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app manual, it says “There are special protectors for use with IMPULSE sounds that are designed to reduce short high-level sounds while allowing low-level sounds to be heard. For additional information on selecting hearing protection, check out the NIOSH Science Blog” which refers to this blog article. However, in this article there is no mention of special protectors for impulse sounds. Can a reference for such protectors be provided? Thank you.

Thanks for asking about the special types of hearing protection for impulsive noise exposures. These kinds of protectors include level-dependent (sometimes called “non-linear”) and sound restoration devices. They are mentioned briefly in this blog as useful for intermittent exposures, which include impulsive noise. Level-dependent hearing protectors provide different amounts of sound reduction at different background noise levels (in other words, the amount of sound reduction is dependent on the incoming noise level). When the background noise is low, sound passes through the protector without being significantly reduced. However, when sound levels are suddenly high (as with an impulse noise), the hearing protector reduces the sound level passing through the device. Sound restoration devices accomplish the same thing but in a different way. These hearing protectors use a microphone outside the protector to measure the noise in the environment. When the noise is low, it transmits sounds to a speaker under the protector so the wearer can hear the signals clearly. However, when the noise levels are high, the electronic circuitry shuts off or otherwise reduces the level of sound that is transmitted from the microphone to the speaker. NIOSH cannot recommend specific hearing protection devices, but we hope this general information is helpful to you. Please let us know if you have additional questions or need more information.

Please advise as to the appropriate hearing protection for exposure to 130 dB noise as encountered as a spectator during an F1 Grand Prix race. Each main race is ~2 hrs in length. I will be close to both the start of the main straightaway (high engine acceleration/noise area) as well as the pit area (lower max dB as cars not allowed maximum acceleration in pit area). Double protection (plugs and muffs) seems appropriate…? I have fitted plugs from combat military duty 12 yrs ago that were for protection from weapons fire mostly. Are those also good for F1 race noise protection? What two device, total NRR or de-rated NRR should I seek?

Thanks for inquiring about your specific hearing protection needs when you attend an F1 Grand Prix race as a spectator. We’re very glad you know that you should protect your hearing.

When noise levels at the ear exceed an eight-hour time-weighted average of 100 dBA, NIOSH recommends using double hearing protection, as you suggest. The earplugs that you have from your military service may not be appropriate if they were designed particularly for weapons noise. That kind of noise is very brief with a rapid onset, whereas the noise at the race will be continuous. In addition, if the hearing protectors from your military service are 12 years old, the materials may have degraded or your ear may have changed shape slightly – either of these could affect how those protectors fit now. A well-fitting basic ear plug with a set of earmuffs on top would work for most people in a very high noise situation like the race. Bear in mind that some specific issues might change what is best for you (for example, if you have a hearing loss or a need to communicate verbally during the race, you might need a different hearing protection approach).

The NRR is not a good predictor of the level of noise reduction an individual wearer will get. Your best approach would be to have an audiologist or trained safety professional conduct a hearing protector fit-test to make sure you are properly fit. Fit-testing provides a “personal attenuation rating” that is specific to how the hearing protectors fit your ears. Remember that other gear which you may wear at the race (for example, sunglasses) can affect the fit of the device, so you should wear it during the fit-test or avoid using it at the race.

As an advocate for workplace safety, I commend you for shedding light on the importance of hearing protection. The statistics and information you’ve shared in this blog post are eye-opening. It’s crucial for employers and employees to understand the risks associated with noise exposure and the role of proper hearing protection, such as ear plugs, in preventing hearing loss. This article serves as a valuable resource in promoting occupational health and safety. Thank you for emphasizing this critical topic!

If the noise can be reduced to below 90dBA after wearing earplugs, can it work for 8 hours according to the specification of 29 CFR 1910.95 (b) Table G-16?

Thanks for your question about noise reduction from earplugs. If you are covered by the OSHA standard for general industry and hearing protection reduces your exposure to below 90 dBA (based on an 8-hour time-weighted average), then your exposure would be below the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for noise which OSHA describes in the table you mentioned (29 CFR 1910.95 (b) Table G-16). It is very important to wear your hearing protection correctly and consistently all the time that you are exposed to noise in order to make sure your exposure is reduced below 90 dBA. And you still need to make sure that you are fully compliant with other aspects of the OSHA noise regulation, such as implementation of feasible noise controls and establishment of an effective hearing conservation program.

You should also be aware that NIOSH recommends reducing noise exposure to below 85 dBA (based on an 8-hour time-weighted average calculated using a lower exchange rate). While this is below the OSHA enforceable limit, OSHA promotes the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit on its website. On the OSHA topic page on Occupational Noise Exposure ( https://www.osha.gov/noise ), OSHA states that “NIOSH has found that significant noise-induced hearing loss occurs at the exposure levels equivalent to the OSHA PEL.” (See “How loud is too loud”\?” in the “Exposure & Controls” section of the page.)

wearing safety glasses under ear muffs reduces their protection because it compromises the seal… would choosing a higher rated muff counter this?

Thanks for this excellent question about earmuffs and safety glasses. Unfortunately, the problem would not be resolved by selecting an earmuff with a higher Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The NRR is based on the earmuff being fully sealed around the ear. The temple piece from the safety glasses breaks the seal of the earmuff cushion around the ear, allowing noise to leak through. If noise can get under the earmuff cushion, it doesn’t really matter what the NRR is because the seal is no longer intact. Any hearing protector with a “leak” is going to give you very little protection.

While choosing a different earmuff will not solve the problem, choosing different safety glasses might help. Some safety glasses have very thin or flexible temple pieces designed to minimize the break in the earmuff seal. Look for safety glasses that say they are designed to work well with earmuffs, and make sure that the earmuff cushions are very soft (“squishy”) to get the best seal around the temple pieces. Have a fit-test done to make sure that you are getting sufficient noise reduction with the earmuffs and safety glasses you select. Another option is to use a combination product in which safety glasses are integrated into a set of earmuffs by attaching the temple pieces to the earmuff band or

I have a question about this statement: “The good news is that most industrial noise exposures are less than 95 dBA, which means most workers require no more than about 10 dB of noise reduction to meet the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of 85 dBA. ”

However the Noise Reduction Rating method from US OSHA states good attenuation level can be calculated as follow:

1) Determine the employee’s noise exposure without protection in dBA. 2) Subtract 7dB from the noise reduction rating (NRR) of the hearing protector, as listed on the product label. 3) Subtract this difference from the unprotected noise exposure. This estimates the exposure level with the hearing protector.

The resulting value should be under 85dB.

Is the calculation method correct? If it’s the case then the NRR should be at 27dB or higher when noise exposure is 95 dBA. Or did I misunderstand something?

I have a problem with low frequency noise/vibrations at night. From nearby industry or freight trains or night construction. Where could I find information on shielding myself from such noise?

Thank you for your question about blocking environmental noise. While NIOSH focuses on occupational rather than environmental noise, low frequency noise can also occur in the workplace. Unfortunately, low frequency noise is the toughest to block out, so this question doesn’t have a simple answer. It can take some investigating to find the best solution. Windows are often the weak link in keeping outdoor sound out. Sometimes sealing the windows or hanging heavy drapes can be effective in blocking some of the sound. If this doesn’t provide enough sound reduction and upgrading or replacing the windows is an option, that could be considered. It would be good to consult a building expert before investing in an expensive project like that.

If building modifications are not an option, the next approach would be to find a way to cope with the noise or reduce the distraction. Again, it would take a trial-and-error approach to find what would work best in your situation, but a masking sound of some type (e.g., white noise, fountains, radio playing) might help. The Noise Pollution Clearinghouse might be able to help you find resources to solve the problem.

Have you considered individual molded plugs. They generally provide superior fit and are less prone to mistakes when putting them in place

Custom-molded earplugs are a good choice for some people, although they are not always the “best” option. Just like any other hearing protector, they have advantages and disadvantages. Believe it or not, we have seen people insert them incorrectly, and sometimes they aren’t made quite right and don’t fit very well. However, if they provide a good seal and are comfortable to wear, then they may be the perfect choice for you!

This is a fantastic article, especially during National Protect Your Hearing Month. The emphasis on choosing the right hearing protector is crucial given the irreversible nature of noise-induced hearing damage.

The guidance on assessing noise reduction needs is practical, especially the tip about using the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app. It’s important to avoid overprotection, which can lead to removing hearing protection to hear better, defeating its purpose.

Considering workplace characteristics is essential too. The advice on compatibility with other PPE, like eye protection and hard hats, is insightful. Your suggestions for earmuffs and earplugs based on different work conditions are very helpful.

Comfort and convenience are key. No matter how effective, hearing protection must be comfortable and easy to use to ensure consistent wear. The comparison between earmuffs and earplugs and the tips on proper fitting are particularly useful.

Overall, this article provides a clear, practical guide to help us all protect our hearing better. Thank you for highlighting this important topic!

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Three Ways to Protect Your Hearing

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12 Surprising Things that Can Damage Your Hearing 

Most people are aware of the more common causes of hearing loss like aging or head trauma. However, there are also a number of things that can damage your hearing that may actually surprise you. In this blog post, we’ll explore some lesser-known factors that can have a negative impact on our auditory health. It’s crucial to be aware of potential hazards to your hearing, whether they be everyday activities, environmental factors, recreational pursuits, or even certain hygiene practices.

Leisure Activities That Can Damage Your Hearing

Having fun shouldn’t come at a cost. Unfortunately, without essential safeguards, many things that people do for pleasure could be costing them their hearing. Here are some common leisure activities that can put you at risk of hearing loss without proper protection.  

Watersports  

Many outdoor activities are incredibly beneficial to your overall health and well-being. However, activities that expose you to excessive wind and cold water for longer periods of time can result in damage to your hearing if you aren’t careful. Surfer’s ear is medically known as external auditory canal exostoses (EACE). It’s a condition that arises from prolonged exposure to cold water and wind. This unprotected exposure triggers the formation of bony growth within the ear. This bony growth can ultimately result in hearing loss if it fully occludes the ear canal. 

The only treatment for this condition is surgery, so it’s best to wear properly fitted ear protection such as earplugs specifically made to provide a sound and water barrier to reduce your risk of hearing loss.   

Personal Listening Devices

Loud concerts are obvious sources of noise-induced hearing loss, but you can also damage your hearing from listening to music at an unsafe volume on personal devices. The most effective way to reduce your risk of hearing damage while using headphones or when listening to audio from your car stereo or home speaker system is to keep your volume between 60-75 decibels (dB). For reference, the average noise level of most casual conversations is between 60-69 dB. Similarly, most home appliances like your dishwasher run at around 70-75 dB. 

Motorsports 

Any vehicle that you ride on, as opposed to riding in, such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, and motorized boats, expose you to harsh wind as well as loud motor noise. And as we’ve already discussed, both of these can damage your hearing. Wearing ear protection while riding around on motorized vehicles, especially at high speeds, can help reduce your risk of hearing damage.  

Even when you’re spectating at a motorsport event, it’s important to consider your hearing health. The acoustics of arenas and racetracks are designed to maximize the sound and carry it up into the stands. In addition, you’re likely hearing the combined noise from more than one vehicle at a time as well. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requires protective hearing equipment for continuous exposure to sounds of 85 dB or higher which is about the noise level of normal, everyday traffic. Meanwhile, one NASCAR engine can generate up to 130 dB of noise. 

 Busy Restaurants, Bars, and Other Noisy Spaces

It can be easy to forget just how loud the drone of voices in a crowd can be. When compounded by the additional noises of a busy and productive establishment, prolonged exposure can eventually damage your hearing. Places like busy restaurants, bars, and cafes can easily reach 80+ dB, which can cause damage to your hearing after only 2 hours of exposure. There are also many acoustic features that can exacerbate the noise levels of a space, like tile floors, brick walls, and low ceilings.  

Places that have booths that offer a little more privacy, or padded chairs or other cushioned furniture will tend to be less loud as these features can absorb the sound more effectively. If you want to limit your exposure to loud noise without feeling like you are sacrificing your social life, consider visiting during less busy times of the day, or choosing an establishment that is smaller or seats less guests at a time.  

Other indoor environments like arcades or bowling alleys, can also take a toll on your senses. Instead of avoiding these places, consider wearing ear protection and ducking out for a 10-minute break every hour to give your ears a rest. 

Busy City Streets 

What could be wrong with sitting at a sidewalk café, sipping a latte? Well, if it’s on a busy city street, this idyllic scene can be a noisy one filled with sirens, horns, and loud cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. To limit your exposure to loud noises, you can either avoid sitting outside all together, or choose a time of day with less traffic. Similarly, when walking around town, avoid areas with construction, or use noise-canceling headphones responsibly if loud areas are simply unavoidable on your daily walking commute. 

Of course, if you’re driving, most traffic noise is going to be unavoidable. Ear plugs while driving can be dangerous, and it’s also illegal in some states. Instead, keep your windows up while in noisy traffic to help protect your ears. 

Work Environments that Can Damage Your Hearing 

If the offending environment is your place of work, escaping the causes of noise-induced hearing loss may not be as easy. Any work environment with loud machinery or motors can put you at risk for occupational NIHL. For businesses that use loud machinery, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has strict guidelines for employers and employees to help prevent NIHL. 

Agriculture, Construction, Manufacturing, and Maintenance

It’s not surprising that construction and manufacturing jobs generally involve loud machinery, which can lead to NIHL. However, there are many other types of occupations that also have loud machinery. In agriculture, some of the heavy equipment used to prepare the soil, plant the seeds, and harvest the plants operate at noise levels that can cause hearing loss in the instance workers don’t wear professional grade ear protection. Janitorial staff who often clean floors are subjected to noisy vacuums, cleaners, and polishers. In addition, another surprising cause of hearing loss for some people is exposure to solvents and cleaning supplies. These chemical vapors can also damage the fine hairs in your ear that help you hear.

Live Entertainment Venues

It’s also likely not surprising to learn that working at any live entertainment venue such as a sports stadium, theater, or concert hall exposes you to loud noises. However, it can be extremely shocking to learn just how quickly these naturally loud environments can permanently damage your hearing if you aren’t careful. Many entertainment venues average 105 dB and louder. According to the CDC, it takes less than 5 minutes of exposure at this volume for it to affect your hearing. Whether you’re a performer, athlete, usher, or work in concession, protecting your hearing in these loud environments is essential. One of the best ways to prevent hearing loss is to block out the noise by wearing properly fitted earplugs or earmuffs. You should also try to give your ears a break from the noise as often as possible. We recommend a minimum of 5-10 minutes at a time. 

Hospitality Industry 

The same drone of noise pollution that can affect your hearing when you’re visiting a café, restaurant, or pub is even more challenging to manage when you work there. People who work in the hospitality industry are also subjected to many other loud noises like background music or even live performances. Day and day out, they are also likely exposed to busy kitchen sounds like clanging pots, dishwashers, and loud overlapping voices. There are acoustic environment adjustments employers can implement in order to address some of this noise pollution. Examples include adding rubber mats to the kitchen, adding acoustic panels to the walls, turning down the music, and purchasing quieter machines. However, one the best ways to limit your exposure to constant loud noises while working in the hospitality industry is to wear ear plugs when appropriate, and to take breaks to give your ears time to rest.   

Transportation and Shipping

Any hub of transportation like an airport, bus or train station, as well as shipping centers have high noise levels. Workers are likely to be exposed to continuous noise pollution on a daily basis from vehicle engines, machinery, and the drone of general commuter chatter. In these environments, employers are required to provide specific safeguards. This includes professional hearing protection tools such as earmuffs and ear plugs. Plus, regular maintenance on large machinery or transportation vehicles can also help ensure they remain in good working order and operate at quieter volume levels.  

Home Activities that Can Damage Your Hearing 

Most people don’t realize how damaging everyday sounds can be to their hearing over time. Furthermore, they may not recognize that they are putting their hearing at risk even while at home. In fact, noise induced hearing loss can be caused by many common sounds you are likely exposed to every day. Scarier still, without proper preventative measures, your risk of hearing loss increases the longer you are exposed to them. 

Home Appliances and Power Tools 

Most modern homes have plenty of noisy machines, such as power tools, lawnmowers, and leaf blowers. To protect your hearing while using any kind of power tool it’s important to wear properly fitted earplugs or earmuffs. Common home appliances like blenders, garbage disposals, and even hair dryers tend to operate in the 90-95 dB range. And according to the CDC, this decibel range can damage your hearing in less than an hour of use. This makes limiting your usage of these appliances on a daily basis incredibly important. You should also practice additional habits like keeping your distance when you can and investing in quieter appliances. 

Home Entertainment

We can’t stress this next one enough. You have no doubt heard that you can damage your hearing from music or other audio that’s too loud. However, it’s worth repeating as it’s a common cause of NIHL. Get into the habit of turning the volume down on your devices before turning them off. This way they start at a low volume when you turn it on again, allowing you to turn it up gradually based on whatever you are watching or listening to at the time.  

If you find yourself needing to turn the volume up louder and louder to understand the dialog or hear things more clearly, this could actually be a sign of hearing loss. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s a good idea to get your hearing checked. Exposure to overly loud noises for extended periods of time can cause possible hearing damage.  

Using Cotton Swabs

Putting any foreign object in your ear canal can do much more harm than good. Using cotton swabs irresponsibly can cause ear wax compaction which can compromise your hearing and require professional care to extract. Cotton swabs in your ear can also cause serious harm such as damage to the sensitive lining of your ear or your eardrum. This damage can cause permanent hearing loss. To prevent infection and damage, you should never clean your ears with cotton swabs. Your ear wax protects your ear canal from particles and germs. These germs can also lead to hearing loss via infections or physical damage. When the ear wax builds up, it can muffle the sounds you hear, and even become physically uncomfortable. If you feel your earwax is a problem, it’s important to speak with a medical professional about it before trying to perform any home remedies.

Learn More About How to Prevent Damage to Your Hearing

The first steps to ensuring lifelong hearing health is knowing how to prevent hearing loss and ways you can protect yourself every day. Remember to always wear properly fitted hearing protection when necessary, and be proactive in reducing your exposure to loud noises. Our expert team of hearing specialists are here to help you find the best hearing loss prevention techniques for your lifestyle as well as provide ongoing care. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Act now to protect your hearing for years to come. Visit any of our hearing clinics conveniently located throughout the United States. 

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Can Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Be Reversed? 

How to Protect Your Hearing While Shooting and Hunting 

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Hearing and, most importantly, understanding

Share this:.

What? Can you say that again? Sorry, I didn't hear you.

These common phrases are linked to a common problem: hearing impairment.

About 28 million, or 14%, of Americans ages 20 to 69 reported hearing impairment in a nationwide survey . Among those older than 75, statistics suggest about half report disabling hearing loss . To compound the problem, the world is now masked to help stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Without the ability to lip-read, and with the muffling of speech that comes from talking through a mask, hearing impairment can be a bigger problem than ever. Issues such as cost and comfort often keep patients from using hearing aids. Fortunately, researchers are working to overcome those barriers so everything comes through loud and clear. One of those researchers is Michael Cevette, Ph.D.

After decades of seeing patients trying to manage hearing loss — and the steep cost of hearing aids — Dr. Cevette decided to create a better, less expensive hearing assistive device to help patients. Dr. Cevette is an audiologist and researcher of the vestibular system and human hearing. He works with colleagues in the Aerospace Medicine and Vestibular Research Laboratory at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

Understanding the High Frequencies "Most people who have hearing loss have high frequency hearing loss due to aging, noise exposure or medications," says Dr. Cevette. The high frequency sounds are the "sss, shhh and ffff" parts of words. So while patients with high frequency hearing loss can still hear, they may not be able to understand, especially if sound is bouncing around, or reverberating, as in a noisy restaurant or gym.

It isn't an overstatement to say that losing the ability to hear is devastating for many. In a noisy restaurant, one might be willing to ask a speaker once, maybe twice, to repeat the question, but after that, most people will just check out of the conversation. Over time, that can lead to withdrawal from social situations and even a label of cognitive impairment.

"Only about 20% of the people who really need hearing aids get them, and one reason is cost," says Dr. Cevette.

To explore options, the Mayo team partnered with a research group that's been investigating hearing technology for 30 years. They began working together in 2013 and tried many, many iterations. One idea was a tabletop speaker. That was dropped due to problems with squealing feedback. Others prototypes have varied in size, shape and technology, but none worked as well as they had hoped.

"Finally, my colleague, Dr. Mead Killion from Etymotic Research came here, and we went out for pizza," says Dr. Cevette. "We went through all the iterations, and all of a sudden we said, 'Hey, what happens if we just hook it ― if we just hook the system over the ear?'"

So they tried it.

The new device is a universal hearing system that consists of a base that connects individual receivers ― microphones ― together via Bluetooth.

The individual receivers are at the end of a hook that fits over the ear, and the hook is attached to a collar or lapel via a wire to a clip. The system is controlled by an algorithm and specific technology in the electronic microcircuitry to boost higher frequencies. Wearers can hear people who have the other receivers, but they also can hear conversation going on directly around them. Basically, it decreases the cognitive effort required for processing audio input.

"I've never understood what it meant when people say that there is cognitive effort in hearing ― that managing noise causes you fatigue," says Jan Stepanek, M.D. , an aerospace medicine specialist, internist and colleague of Dr. Cevette. "Once I put the hearing hooks on, I realized: 'Oh, this is much easier to hear Mike talk. I don't have to battle the white background noise.'"

While it's currently sold for less than a typical hearing aid in the Hearing Aid Center at Mayo Clinic Arizona, Dr. Cevette and the team are looking for a commercial partner. They think they can reduce the price further.

"It really improves clarity of speech," says Dr. Cevette, "even for people who don't have high frequency hearing loss."

And among those these hearing assisted devices have helped are surgeons. In this case, what was made to benefit patients can help clinical staff, as well.

Precise Communication in Surgery

"Operating rooms require, more than any other workspace, precise communication," says Michael Hinni, M.D. , Mayo Clinic surgeon and ear, nose, and throat specialist (otorhinolaryngologist).

But that communication is confounded by a host of factors. People are focused on their specific task, like keeping a patient asleep or anticipating an instrument. Everyone has a mask on. And staff may be hearing-impaired themselves. There's also music and background noise from machines ― even occasionally power tools. Sometimes a member of the team leaves the room, such as to drop off specimens, and sometimes people just talk to each other.

Dr. Hinni and his team were able to try out the hearing hooks, renamed the "amplified surgical mask." They clipped the receivers on their masks and put the hooks over their ears and, "I loved it," says Dr. Hinni. "I could hear anyone on the team whisper if they wanted to. When the circulator (nurse) went into the sterile core to fetch something, I could say we don't want that drain. We want the other drain. Or while you're there …"

And, he noted, it helped create a more professional environment by reducing nonessential communication. It was also more user-friendly than other technology on the market, Dr. Hinni says, adding, "It creates an environment where the patient can get the best operation possible."

The only problem?

"They were loaners," says Dr. Hinni, who, by the way, would like them back.

— Sara Tiner, October 2020

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The Relationship Between Hearing and Thinking

There is an interaction and codependence between cognitive function and sensory systems in humans. This may not be obvious initially, but when considering how we send stimuli to our brains — through the sensory organs of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell — it seems logical. If we are unable to hear or see external phenomena, how will our brains receive enough information to make sense of the world? Thinking, then, is dependent on the raw material sent to the brain by our senses.

Compensatory Relationship

Cognition and hearing also have a compensatory relationship. If cognition deteriorates, say as the result of dementia or physical trauma, hearing becomes more important. Conversely, if hearing deteriorates, cognition becomes more important for daily functioning. Many people with hearing loss , for example, are able to infer what they missed in a conversation because they have sharp cognitive skills. The brain fills in missing pieces of information based on past experience, voice inflection, syntax, and other cues, both verbal and nonverbal. So, if a person hears well and is able to capture all the needed information through hearing, his or her brain doesn’t have to work as hard to fill in the gaps.

Elderly People

A 2013 study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that elderly people with compromised hearing are at risk of developing problems with memory and thinking sooner than those whose hearing is intact. Led by Dr. Frank Lin, a hearing specialist and epidemiologist, the research team found that annual rates of cognitive decline were 41 percent greater in older adults with hearing problems than in those without.

Another study conducted in 2003 found that higher IQs tend to mitigate the impact of hearing loss. Researchers speculated that this was perhaps due to higher processing speeds in the brain. For patients diagnosed with dementia and already slower processing speeds, hearing loss further compromised their cognitive ability.

Children with hearing loss are less adept at filling in missed information because they have less life experience. Most of what children learn about language and social norms is through passive listening. This makes hearing vital to a child’s ability to do well in school . Audition is so vitally important to education that the entire premise of the U.S. educational system is undermined when a child cannot clearly hear spoken instruction.

The period from birth to 2 years is a critical time for the acquisition of language and cognition for all children, and this period of time is often when deaf and hard of hearing children are deprived of processes that promote healthy language development. Until recently, most experts agreed that these children would be at a severe disadvantage because of their lack of access to auditory input. However, recent studies show that when profoundly deaf children are exposed to a visual language early in life, they develop high levels of language organization. This indicates that signed or visual language may take the place of hearing in the education of deaf children, although much more research must be done to establish this theory.

Treatments to Improve Cognition

Hearing rehabilitation programs can help individuals improve their listening skills, depending on their particular type of impairment. Coupled with hearing aids , other assistive technologies, and visual cues, a person with hearing loss need not also lose cognition abilities. This is a relatively new field of study, and more discoveries are likely forthcoming.

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