Protecting our hearing involves a combination of lifestyle choices, environmental awareness, and good nutrition. Hearing difficulties can negatively impact our mental health, our ability to communicate effectively, and our quality of life.
In this podcast we will discuss the top risks for hearing loss as well as practical tips for protecting our hearing.
The top risks for hearing loss include noise exposure, ototoxic medications, and chronic conditions. Genetics and family history can also play a role in the health of our hearing.
Some practical tips include:
- Limit exposure to loud noise
- Maintain safe listening habits
- Protect your ears
- Practice good ear hygiene
- Manage stress and blood pressure
- Maintain good hydration levels
- Avoid smoking and the over-consumption of alcohol
Limiting exposure to loud noise involves avoiding prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels.
Sounds above and below 85 decibels are listed below.
Below 85 decibels:
- Normal Conversation: 60 dB
- Refrigerator Hum: 40 dB
- Rainfall: 50 dB
- Typing on a Keyboard: 50-60 dB
- Dishwasher: 70 dB
- Vacuum Cleaner: 75 dB
- City Traffic (Inside a Car): 80 dB
Above 85 decibels:
- Heavy City Traffic (Standing on the Street): 85-90 dB
- Lawn Mower: 90 dB
- Hair Dryer: 85-90 dB
- Motorcycle Engine: 95 dB
- Car Horn (Close Proximity): 100 dB
- Rock Concert: 110-120 dB
- Jet Engine (100 Feet Away): 120-130 dB
- Fireworks (Close Proximity): 140 d
Wear ear protection like earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, when engaging in activities like shooting, motorcycling, or using power tools, or if you are exposed to noisy environments. If you are going to use headphones, opt for over-ear varieties as opposed to in-ear earbuds.
Following the 60/60 rule can also be helpful. This entails listening to something at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
Avoid inserting objects like ear buds into your ears because these can damage the ear canal or eardrum and potentially push ear wax deeper into the ear canal. If you do struggle with a buildup of earwax, rather have it removed by a medical professional than attempt home removal methods.
Listen to my interview with Brad Kirsten from Radio Cape Pulpit on 30 January 2025 to learn more. Listen to my next interview on Thursday at 7.45am.