7 Habits That Are Damaging to Hearing Health

We all know that we should be careful about the amount of noise we expose to our ears daily. But sometimes, it's hard to know just how much damage we're doing until it's too late. In this article, we will discuss seven habits that damage hearing health and can cause long-term damage if not corrected. We'll also provide tips for how to protect your hearing and keep your ears healthy!

Listening to Music Too Loudly

This is a common habit, especially among young people. We often crank up the volume on our headphones or earbuds without even realizing it. But exposure to loud noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, nearly half of all young adults ages 12-35 are exposed to unsafe levels of sound from personal listening devices.

So how can you protect your hearing while still enjoying your music? The best way is to keep the volume at a moderate level. You should also take breaks every few songs to give your ears a rest. And if you're going to be in a noisy environment for an extended period, be sure to wear earplugs.

Not Using Hearing Protection

If you work in a noisy environment or are regularly exposed to loud sounds, it's important to wear hearing protection. This includes earplugs or earmuffs. Unfortunately, many people don't like wearing hearing protection because it can be uncomfortable or interfere with communication. But the fact is, exposure to loud noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss.

So, if you want to protect your hearing, you need to make sure you're using appropriate hearing protection. Hearing protection is also essential if you enjoy recreational activities that involve loud noise, such as shooting firearms or attending concerts. In these situations, it's best to use earplugs that fit snugly in your ears and reduce the level of noise without eliminating it.

Not Getting Your Hearing Checked

Hearing loss is a common problem, yet many people don't regularly check their hearing. This is especially true for adults over the age of 50. If you think you might have hearing loss, it's essential to see an audiologist so they can perform a hearing test.

Hearing tests are painless and only take a few minutes. They can help identify whether you have hearing loss and, if so, what type of hearing loss it is. Getting your hearing checked regularly is the best way to catch any problems early and prevent further damage.

Not Keeping Your Ears Clean

It's essential to keep your ears clean, not just because it's gross to have dirt and wax buildup in your ear canals but also because it can lead to infection. Earwax is a good thing – it helps protect your ears from bacteria and other foreign objects. But if too much wax accumulates, it can cause problems like hearing loss, itching or even pain.

The best way to keep your ears clean is to use a gentle ear canal cleaning solution two or three times a week. You can also soften the wax by using drops of mineral oil or baby oil once a day for a week before cleaning.

Wearing Earbuds for Too Long

Earbuds are convenient and portable, but they can also damage your hearing if you use them too much. This is because they fit snugly into your ear canal and block out external noise, which can lead to increased volume levels. If you use earbuds regularly, make sure to take breaks every few hours to give your ears a rest.

You should also clean them often to prevent wax and dirt buildup. Additionally, if you're going to be in a noisy environment for an extended period, it's best to use earplugs that fit over your ear rather than earbuds.

Ignoring the Subtle Signs of Hearing Loss

Many people ignore the subtle signs of hearing loss, such as turning up the volume on the TV or radio, difficulty understanding conversation in noisy environments or constantly asking people to repeat themselves. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's vital to get your hearing checked. Unfortunately, people often wait until they have significant hearing loss before seeking treatment. But early diagnosis and treatment is key to preventing further damage and preserving your quality of life.

Not Treating Hearing Loss

If you have hearing loss, it's important to get treatment! There are many different types of hearing loss, and each one requires a different type of treatment. In some cases, hearing aids can help improve your ability to hear. If you have hearing loss, the best thing you can do is seek out treatment from an audiologist so you can start living your life to the fullest.

Don't wait to get it checked out if you think you might have hearing loss. The sooner you get a diagnosis and start treatment, the better. Contact the Niagara Hearing and Speech Clinic at (855) 797-8002 to get more information on how they can help you. And in the meantime, be sure to avoid any habits that might damage your hearing further.