Expert Advice On Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

It is not a surprising fact that our capacity to hear, and our sense of hearing decreases as we age significantly. The ability of ears to process sound waves usually changes over time. Still, experts say that these days, the troubles related to hearing loss are happening even for people of younger ages, and this occurrence might be due to headphone usage.

Loud sounds can harm the hair-like sensory receptors, i.e., hair cells that change sound waves into electrical signals and then send them for processing inside our brain. About 12.5% of youngsters and teenagers who fall in the age bracket of 6-19 years and 17% of grown-ups aged 20-69 years have endured permanent harm to their hearing from direct exposure to excessively loud sounds and noise.

It is quite unfortunate that there is nothing that a person can do to reverse the damage done to their ears. However, one can always take precautions to avoid further harm. Here are a few steps that one can follow to promote a healthy sense of hearing:

Eugenio Marongiu/Shutterstock

Take a break

As you tune into something, your ears automatically adjust to the volume. But at the same time, you may find the temptation to turn the volume further into high decibels. Don’t give in to the temptation! Also, by hearing the audio over long intervals of time, you end up using all the neurotransmitters that transmit the signals to further communicate with your sound-related nerve. So while listening to the same device throughout the day, always take 5-10 minute breaks.

Set a breaking point

GaudiLab/Shutterstock

There is no way to find out the safest and most protected volume level when it comes to our devices since the force of sound created by cellphones and tablets fluctuates according to their brand and model. In any case, you can diminish the danger of harming your ears by using a volume control app. There are a variety of apps available on app stores that help significantly in controlling the volume according to one’s needs.

Use ear protection

The intensity of sound at shows can cause damage to ears within just 5 minutes. That is why many ENT specialists have recommended not going to DJ shows or concerts. If you do decide to go, though, always use a musician earplug, which brings all the sounds down. Many experts have advised making earplugs a part of health hygiene. If we put on a jacket when it’s cold, then why not use earplugs when it’s loud?