October is Audiology Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of hearing health and raising awareness about hearing loss prevention. Contrary to popular belief, hearing loss isn’t an inevitable part of aging. While age-related hearing loss does affect many, it’s not the only factor that can impact your hearing. Genetics, certain illnesses, physical injuries and exposure to loud noises can all contribute to hearing damage.
By taking a proactive approach, you can safeguard your hearing and continue enjoying the sounds you love for years to come.
Protect Against Loud Noise Exposure
Approximately 5% of the global population lives with some degree of noise-induced hearing loss. To help lower your, try the following tips:
- Set safe decibel limits. Prolonged exposure to noises above 85 decibels (dB) or short exposure to sounds over 120 dB can cause permanent hearing damage. To protect your ears, consider setting a safe 80 dB limit on your TV, smartphone and other audio devices.
- Limit headphone use. While setting decibel limits is essential, reducing the time you spend wearing headphones is also important. If you wear headphones, over-the-ear, noise-canceling options are a safer choice than earbuds, as they help block out external noise, allowing you to listen at lower volumes.
- Wear hearing protection in noisy environments. Sometimes, it’s impossible to avoid loud sounds, especially at concerts, sporting events at Legacy Stadium or noisy construction sites. When you can’t control the noise around you, wearing hearing protection is key. Earplugs, earmuffs and custom hearing covers can all help dampen the sound and reduce the risk of hearing damage.
Wear a Helmet
When you sustain a blow to the side of your head, like those common in contact sports, the bones in your middle ear can fracture, leading to hearing loss. While you may not be able to protect against all injuries, wearing a helmet during any contact sports can help prevent unnecessary ear trauma.
Treat Illness Early
Viral infections like CMV, rubella, measles and mumps, as well as bacterial infections like meningitis and labyrinthitis, can lead to hearing loss when left untreated. To help protect against illness-induced hearing loss, make sure you and your children are vaccinated for preventable illnesses and seek treatment early if symptoms develop.
This Audiology Awareness Month, take the time to prioritize your hearing health by following these healthy hearing tips. If you’re concerned about your hearing or simply want a routine check-up, schedule a hearing test with our specialists at Today’s Hearing.