We often think of hearing loss as something that happens to older folks or people who work in loud environments like sports arenas. But the truth is, many of us engage in everyday activities that can subtly but steadily damage our hearing over time. That alone sounds surprising, right?
Well, you might be surprised at the sneaky ways your hearing health could be taking a hit without you even realizing it. It’s not just some inconvenience; this changes your life, this changes the quality of your life, and yes, a lot of mental health issues can happen. So, with all of that said, let’s chat about a few of these silent culprits.
Cranking Up the Volume
Who doesn’t love jamming out to their favorite tunes? Not just that, but even watching shows or movies loudly (podcasts and audiobooks count, too). It doesn’t really matter what you’re doing, whether it be while working out, commuting, or just relaxing; many of us enjoy music through headphones or earbuds.
The problem arises when we crank up the volume too high. Actually, you should keep your volume to no more than 60% of the maximum level and limit your listening time to avoid potential damage. Just remember, if someone next to you can hear your music, it’s probably too loud (and that gets on people’s nerves, too).
Neglecting Ear Protection at Events
Concerts, sporting events, and even movie theaters can get extremely loud (tha’ts obvious). While the experience is thrilling, it can also be harmful to your ears.
The decibel levels at these events often exceed safe listening thresholds. This is why it’s so important to start carrying a pair of earplugs and using them during particularly loud moments can go a long way in protecting your hearing. Sure, it’s a small step, but that makes a big difference.
Using Cotton Swabs Incorrectly
How do you clean your ears? As you know, cotton swabs are a staple in many bathrooms. However, they can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing blockages or even damage to the eardrum. It could help to talk to a hearing health professional because they can show you the right way to clean your ears.
Ignoring the Signs of Hearing Loss
It’s easy to dismiss the early signs of hearing loss as just “getting older” or “having a lot on your mind.” Alright, this is usually so subtle that you might not even notice it until it gets really bad. So, if you find yourself frequently asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the volume on the TV more than before, or struggling to follow conversations in noisy environments, it’s time to pay attention.
These are not normal! Sure, age-related hearing loss is common, but you shouldn’t pass these things as normal! You need to recognize that early intervention can help manage hearing loss effectively, so don’t brush off these signs. Actually, what you need to do annually (if you haven’t already) would be to start conducting effective hearing assessments with an audiologist. This isn’t a waste of time; you need to take this seriously. So many people don’t even bother with seeing one until it’s way too late.
