Our sense of hearing, also known as audition, plays a vital role in how we connect with the world. From conversations with loved ones to enjoying music and staying alert to dangers, hearing affects nearly every part of our lives. Yet, millions of people around the world experience hearing loss, much of which is preventable.
In this article, we’ll explore how hearing works, what causes hearing loss, and the most effective ways to protect your ears for life.
1. How Does Hearing Work?
Hearing is a complex process involving the outer, middle, and inner ear:
- Outer ear: Captures sound waves and channels them to the eardrum.
- Middle ear: Vibrations pass through three tiny bones (ossicles) that amplify the sound.
- Inner ear: The cochlea, a snail-shaped organ, translates vibrations into nerve signals sent to the brain.
Damage to any part of this system can lead to hearing loss.
2. Common Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be sudden or gradual, and may result from various factors:
- Exposure to loud noises (e.g., concerts, headphones at high volume, noisy workplaces) – preventable
- Aging (presbycusis)
- Ear infections or chronic illnesses
- Genetics
- Ototoxic medications (drugs that damage the inner ear) – preventable
- Earwax buildup or injury – preventable
- Blast/Explosion
- Tumors
- Head trauma
- Foreign objects – preventable
- Ruptured eardrum
3. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: A Growing Concern
One of the most preventable forms of hearing loss is caused by prolonged exposure to loud sounds.
Repeated exposure to sounds above 70 decibels (dB), such as lawnmowers, power tools, or music on high volume, can permanently damage the inner ear.
You can download applications on your phone to measure the ambient decibel level.
Use hearing protections above 85dB to protect your hearing.
4. Tips to Prevent Hearing Loss
Protecting your hearing is easier than you think. Here are some practical strategies:
1. Turn Down the Volume
- Choose noise-canceling headphones instead of turning the volume up to drown out background noise.
- Check the decibel level (< 70 decibels).
2. Wear Hearing Protection
- Use earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments like concerts, construction sites, weddings or while using power tools.
- Make sure children wear proper ear protection in loud environments.Teach your children to use hearing protectors during activities that are loud enough to damage their hearing over time.
Examples of activities that are potentially loud enough to damage your hearing are:
- Attending movies (especially in Cambodia), auto races, sporting events, fireworks shows, weddings and music concerts.
- Riding a motorcycle, dirt bike, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, airplane, or tractor.
- Playing an instrument in a band or near his ear (violin for example).
- Participating in or attending shooting sports. A gunshot can be as loud as a jet engine at takeoff, which can damage your child’s hearing immediately and permanently.
3. Take Listening Breaks
- Give your ears time to rest after exposure to loud sounds.
- After a noisy event, take a break in a quiet place for at least 10–15 minutes.
4. Avoid Inserting Objects in Your Ear
- Don’t use cotton swabs or fingers to clean ears. Let wax move out naturally or consult a healthcare provider if needed.
5. Have Regular Hearing Checkups
- Get your hearing tested, especially if you’re over 50 or work in a noisy environment.
- Early detection can prevent further damage and improve outcomes with hearing aids or other interventions.
6. Stay Healthy
- Control chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that can affect hearing.
5. When to See a Doctor
If you notice:
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Trouble understanding speech, especially in noisy settings
- Needing to turn up the TV or radio
- Asking people to repeat themselves often
It’s time to consult an ENT specialist.
NB: Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency. Consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Speak with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
