Protect Your Ears: Understanding and Preventing Hearing Loss

Hearing loss refers to the partial or total inability to hear sounds in one or both ears. It can range from mild to profound and affects a person’s ability to communicate, especially in noisy environments. Clinically, hearing loss is defined as not being able to hear thresholds of 20 decibels (dB) or better in both ears.

Types of Hearing Loss

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot efficiently travel through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and middle ear. Causes include:

• Impacted earwax

• Ear infections

• Allergies

• Benign tumors

• Abnormal ear structures

People with this condition may struggle to hear low-volume sounds or may experience intermittent hearing loss.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the nerve pathways leading to the brain. Common causes:

• Aging (presbycusis)

• Prolonged noise exposure

• Viral infections

This form is typically permanent and leads to difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss combines both conductive and sensorineural components. It arises when damage affects both the middle/outer ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve. Treatment usually involves a combination of medical interventions and hearing aids.

Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)

ANSD disrupts the transmission of sound from the inner ear to the brain, even though the ear may receive sound normally. It's often seen in:

• Premature infants

• Children with a family history of ANSD

Symptoms include inconsistent hearing and difficulty understanding speech.

How hearing loss can occur? 

Inner Ear Damage

The cochlea contains hair cells vital for converting sound into neural signals. Damage from aging, injury, or chronic noise exposure can impair these cells permanently, leading to irreversible hearing loss.

Earwax Buildup

Excessive earwax can block sound waves, resulting in temporary hearing loss. Frequent use of in-ear headphones contributes to wax accumulation. Symptoms may include muffled hearing, irritation, or tinnitus. Regular, gentle ear cleaning helps prevent buildup.

Ruptured Eardrum

A tear in the eardrum due to trauma, infections, or pressure changes can lead to hearing loss. If left untreated, it may cause infections and permanent damage. Prompt medical attention often results in full recovery.

Risk Factors for Hearing Loss

Aging

Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is a natural result of aging. It primarily affects the delicate hair cells in the cochlea and is often managed using hearing aids.

Loud Noise Exposure

Sustained exposure to sounds above 85 dB can damage the auditory system. Common sources:

• Industrial machinery

• Loud music

• Daily headphone use above 70% volume

Symptoms include tinnitus, muffled sounds, and difficulty focusing on speech.

Genetic Predisposition

Hereditary conditions can increase susceptibility to hearing loss. A family history of auditory issues significantly raises risk.

Occupational Noise

Jobs in construction, factories, music, and military service expose workers to harmful sound levels. Without protection, such environments pose a high risk of hearing damage.

Recreational Noise

Activities like concerts, sports events, or shooting ranges can also cause hearing loss. Using earplugs or reducing exposure can prevent long-term damage.

Medications

Ototoxic drugs such as certain antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, and high doses of aspirin can harm the auditory system. Monitoring and consulting with a physician is advised.

Comparing Loudness of Common Sounds

Prolonged exposure to levels above 85 dB can lead to gradual hearing damage.

Safe Exposure Duration to Loud Sounds

Listening to high-volume audio daily without breaks can result in permanent damage. Maintain volume below 70% and take listening breaks frequently.

Preventing Hearing Loss

Get Your Hearing Tested

Regular hearing checkups help detect issues early. Consult an ENT specialist if you notice discomfort, ringing, or muffled hearing.

Avoid Risky Environments

Reduce time spent in loud settings. Use noise-canceling earplugs or earmuffs in high-decibel environments, both at work and during recreation.

Use Open-Ear Headphones

Open-ear headphones like NG EarSafe, Comm, Pro, and Lite let you hear ambient sounds, reducing the risk of earwax buildup and auditory isolation. NG EarSafe Pro uses bone conduction to bypass the eardrum entirely, minimizing ear canal stress.

These are safer alternatives to traditional in-ear devices and are recommended for prolonged use, especially at 60-70% volume.

Sources:

• World Health Organization (WHO)

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

• NG EarSafe Product Guidelines