How to Prevent Hearing Loss as You Age

As we grow older, hearing loss can become a common concern. While it's not always possible to fully prevent it, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your hearing and maintain a high quality of life for as long as possible. The good news is, hearing loss can begin at any age, so the earlier you start incorporating healthy hearing habits, the better.

At Audiology House, we believe in empowering you with knowledge and personalised care to help preserve your hearing. Here’s how you can help prevent hearing loss as you age:

1. Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises

One of the most preventable causes of hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. While it's often thought of as a concern only for those in noisy professions, many of us encounter harmful levels of sound daily - whether from music, machinery, or even household appliances.

To protect your hearing, try to keep the volume on your devices, like your TV, phone, or headphones, at a moderate level (ideally no higher than 50%). When you're in environments where loud sounds are inevitable - such as around machinery, power tools, or lawn mowers - be sure to wear ear protection. It's a simple but effective step to prevent lasting damage.

2. Keep Your Ears Clean and Healthy

Proper ear hygiene plays a huge role in maintaining your hearing health. While it’s tempting to use cotton swabs to clean your ears, these can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, leading to blockages and potential infections. Instead, avoid inserting objects into your ears. If you’re noticing a buildup of wax or suspect a blockage, consult an audiologist to have your ears checked.

Also, if you’re traveling by air or dealing with a cold or sinus congestion, it’s important to yawn frequently and use a decongestant if needed to avoid any pressure buildup in your ears.

3. Review Your Medications

Certain medications - like antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high doses of aspirin - can have side effects that affect your hearing. If you're on any long-term medication, it's a good idea to check with your healthcare provider about potential risks to your hearing. If you need to take medications known to impact hearing, regular hearing tests can help catch any early signs of damage.

4. Make Healthier Lifestyle Choices

Did you know that smoking can increase your risk of hearing loss? Smokers are more likely to experience hearing problems compared to non-smokers, so quitting can benefit both your overall health and your hearing.

Incorporating regular exercise into your routine can also improve blood flow to your ears, supporting the tiny, delicate cells that help you hear. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can have positive effects on your hearing health as well as your general well-being.

5. Schedule Regular Hearing Tests

Even if you don’t notice any hearing loss right now, regular hearing tests are a crucial part of maintaining your hearing health as you age. If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s time to book an appointment with an audiologist:

• Family history of hearing loss

• Difficulty hearing in conversations

• Frequent exposure to loud environments

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• You’ve never had a hearing test before

Hearing loss is permanent, but with early detection, it can be managed, and further damage can be prevented. The sooner you address any concerns, the better.

We’re Here to Help You

At Audiology House, we take pride in offering compassionate, personalised care to every patient. Whether you’re in need of a routine hearing test, have questions about hearing aids, or simply want to know more about how to preserve your hearing, we’re here for you.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and let’s work together to protect your hearing for the future. Our friendly team is ready to answer any questions and ensure your hearing health is in great hands. We look forward to helping you stay connected to the world around you!