Preventing hearing damage: five tips against hearing damage

When we think of impaired hearing, we often think primarily of older people. Age certainly affects the performance of our ears as well, but many other factors come into play. Consider, for example, loud music, loud machines or noisy vehicles. These can damage our hearing at any time. Fortunately, there are several options to properly protect your ears. There is also another important factor at play: life itself.

Your ears are exposed to all kinds of sound impulses year in and year out. As a result, hearing declines in most people around the age of 30. At that age, you may also experience hearing loss. Here too, however, you can counteract this with a few clever measures. Read on about hearing damage and discover five golden tips to reduce your risk of hearing damage as much as possible!

What is hearing damage?

We speak of hearing damage when there is damage to your hearing. This damage can occur in various ways, such as having left your ears exposed to noise for too long and without protection. With normal, everyday sounds, the hair cells inside your ear cause the hearing to regulate and repair itself. However, does too much sound or real noise enter your ear? Then the tiny hair cells can break down.

The damage that has now occurred is basically beyond repair. Hearing damage is therefore permanent in almost all cases. We understand that this is not what you want, so we have some tips for you. Follow them so that you can reduce the risk of hearing damage as much as possible.

1: Wear hearing protection

One of the best things you can do to protect your hearing is to wear hearing protection. This is a good idea in a variety of situations. Are you working in a loud room with machinery that makes a lot of noise? Then you would do well to wear ear muffs. Do you like going to concerts or other parties where the music is extremely loud? Then always bring along custom-made earplugs and don't forget to put them in. Your ears will thank you! From now on, you will no longer suffer from an annoying ringing in your ears after the party and you will also greatly reduce the risk of hearing damage. Hearing protectors come in different designs. The best protection for hearing are custom-made earplugs. For children, there are special earplugs and earmuffs tailored to their size.

2: Keep your distance

Yet another way to prevent damage to your hearing is by not standing or sitting too close to the source of sound. After all, the closer you are to the source, the more at risk you are. Always make sure you are at least two meters away from the speakers, radio or even your television. That way, you will prevent too much noise from entering your ears. Are you at a fun festival or concert? Then it's smart not to stay in the same place for too long. Move around the room so that you are not constantly at the same distance from the sound source. This is much better for your hearing and also allows you to surround yourself with other people.

3: Let the hearing rest

Have you been listening to a lot of loud music or have your ears been otherwise exposed to noise? Then it is advisable to give your ears at least 24 hours of rest. Do not visit another place with a lot of noise and do not listen to music for a while. In this way, your hearing can recover and your ears can relax. Just like yourself, for that matter. It is also an ideal way to get away from the hustle and bustle. Are you at a multi-day festival? Then take regular breaks at a place with less noise. Do not forget your earplugs.

4: Avoid sounds higher than 80 dB

To best protect your hearing, it is recommended that you never expose your ears to sounds above 80 dB. Sounds up to this level are still safe in themselves, as long as you are not exposed to this noise level for more than eight hours a day. A hair dryer on the highest setting and the sound of children playing are good examples of sounds up to 80 dB. Does the volume go up a notch, such as when you turn on a chainsaw? Then you quickly reach the pain threshold of 100 dB.

This noise is noticeably uncomfortable and many people therefore dislike such noise. In fact, it is a natural way to protect yourself from noise and the associated hearing damage. Is your hearing exposed to sounds above 140 dB? Then acute hearing damage can occur. This is definitely not something you want!

5: Listen for signals from hearing

Your hearing has its own warning system, and it is important to listen to these signals. Many people experience whistling sounds or tinnitus after standing or sitting in noise for a while. You may also experience temporary hearing loss, headaches or a pressing sensation in your ears. Do your symptoms persist for more than 24 hours? If so, contact an ENT doctor as soon as possible. He or she can further examine your specific symptoms and develop a customized treatment plan based on this information. Be sure not to wait too long. After all, the longer you wait, the greater the risk of permanent damage to your hearing.

Different forms of hearing damage

Hearing damage does not manifest itself in the same way for everyone. For example, one person may suffer primarily from a pressing sensation, while another may suffer greatly from tinnitus or ringing in the ears. Ear noise or tinnitus is usually a permanent ailment that can have a huge impact on a person's life and mental health. Often, individuals with tinnitus experience mental health problems, sleep deprivation and other problems. For this reason alone, it is important to always properly protect your ears with appropriate hearing protection. Once you have escaped the crowds and noise? Then always take time to let your ears settle down as well.