How to prevent hearing loss
There are certain risk factors that can increase the chance of damage or deterioration of an individual’s hearing. These include, but are not limited to:
Aging – Exposure to sounds over the years can damage the cells of your inner ear.
Heredity – Your genetic makeup may make you more susceptible to ear damage.
Occupational noises – Jobs where loud noise is a regular part of the working environment, such as farming, construction or factory work, can lead to damage inside your ear.
Recreational noises – Exposure to explosive noises, such as from firearms and fireworks, can cause immediate, permanent hearing loss. Other recreational activities with dangerously high noise levels include snowmobiling, motorcycling or listening to loud music. Personal music players such as MP3 players can cause lasting hearing loss if you turn the volume up high enough to mask the sound of other loud noises, such as a lawn mower.
Some medications – Drugs such as the antibiotic gentamicin and certain chemotherapy drugs can damage the inner ear. Temporary effects on your hearing — ringing in the ear (tinnitus) or hearing loss — can occur if you take very high doses of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antimalarial drugs or loop diuretics.
Some illnesses – Diseases or illnesses that result in high fever, such as meningitis, may damage the cochlea.
Hearing loss prevention consists of steps you can take to help you prevent noise- induced hearing loss and avoid worsening of age-related hearing loss:
Protect your ears in the workplace
Specially designed earmuffs that resemble earphones can protect your ears by bringing most loud sounds down to an acceptable level. Foam, pre-formed, or custom-molded earplugs made of plastic or rubber also can effectively protect your ears from damaging noise.
Have your hearing tested
Consider regular hearing tests if you work in a noisy environment. Regular testing of your ears can provide early detection of hearing loss. Knowing you’ve lost some hearing means you’re in a position to take steps to prevent further hearing loss.
Avoid recreational risks
Activities such as riding a snowmobile, hunting and listening to extremely loud music for long periods of time can damage your ears. Wearing hearing protectors or taking breaks from the noise during loud recreational activities can protect your ears. Turning down the volume when listening to music can help you avoid damage to your hearing.
Unfortunately, prevention does not guarantee immunity from hearing loss. Learn about what you can do when you are faced with hearing loss.
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