Let’s be real nobody wants to spend their golden or olden years shouting “What?” say it again" at the TV or nodding along to conversations they didn’t actually hear. But the truth is, hearing loss is a sneaky little troublemaker that can creep up over time.
The good news? You don’t have to accept it as an inevitable part of aging. Wondering how to prevent hearing loss in old age? With a few smart (and surprisingly easy) habits you can keep your ears in top-notch shape for decades to come.
1. Turn Down the Volume (Yes, Even When Your Favorite Song Comes On!)
We get it. Sometimes you need to crank up the volume on your headphones or earphones to feel the music ( I felt myself many times). But here is the problem: blasting sound directly into your ears is like throwing a tiny rock concert in your eardrum, and your hearing is the VIP section that gets wrecked.
What to do? Follow the 60/60 rule listen at no more than 60% volume for a maximum of 60 minutes at a time. Even better? Switch to open-ear headphones (like the NG EarSafe open-ear technology) that let you enjoy your music without stuffing speakers inside your ears.
2. Give Your Ears a Break (They Deserve a Nap, Too!)
Did you know your ears need rest after being exposed to loud noise? Just like your muscles after a workout, your auditory system needs recovery time.
What to do? If you have been around loud sounds (concerts, traffic, power tools, construction sites) step into a quiet space for at least 15 minutes to let your ears chill out.
Bonus tip: if you take a walk in nature your ears will love the gentle sounds of birds over blaring sirens.
3. Protect Your Ears from Noisy Environments
Loud environments don’t just happen at concerts. Cities, workplaces, and even your favorite coffee shop (why is the blender that loud?) can contribute to gradual hearing damage.
What to do? Invest in noise-canceling earplugs for high-decibel situations. And if you need to take office or regular calls or listen to music in a noisy setting, open-ear headphones can help you stay connected without cranking up the volume to dangerous levels.
4. Clean Your Ears (But Skip the Cotton Swabs!)
Ears are self-cleaning, but sometimes wax builds up and muffles your hearing. However, shoving cotton swabs into your ear canal is a terrible idea it pushes wax even deeper and can even cause damage.
What to do? Use a warm washcloth to gently clean around your ears, or try a few drops of mineral oil to soften wax buildup. If things get serious, visit nearby an ENT specialist to safely remove any blockages.
5. Stay Active & Eat Ear-Friendly Foods
Yes, your diet and lifestyle affect your hearing! Good circulation is crucial for ear health, so staying active helps keep those tiny hair cells in your inner ear happy.
What to do? Load up on leafy greens, fish, nuts and berries they are packed with nutrients that support ear health. And exercise! Daily exercise improves blood flow automatically, which is essential for keeping your ears in peak condition.
Curious about what to eat for better hearing? Check out these foods that improve hearing.
6. Get Your Hearing Checked Regularly
Most people don’t think about hearing tests until they notice a problem but by then, some damage might already be permanent. Regular checkups help catch issues early.
What to do? Schedule a hearing test every year or once every 6 months, just like an eye exam. If your hearing is perfectly fine, great! If not, you’ll have a head start on managing any issues before they get worse.
Conclusion
Hearing loss doesn’t have to be a part of ageing care of your ears now can save you from frustration later. So keep down the volume give your ears regular breaks, and maybe even swap those in-ear headphones for a safer alternative. (Hint: NG EarSafe open-ear headphones are a game-changer. )
Stay safe, stay sound and keep rocking at a reasonable volume.
FAQs
1. What causes hearing loss in old age?
Hearing loss in old age is primarily caused by the natural degeneration of the inner ear (presbycusis), long-term exposure to loud noises and changes in the auditory nerve.
2. Is hearing loss in old age genetic?
Yes, genetics can play a role in age-related hearing loss. Individuals with a family history of hearing loss are more likely to experience it as they age.
3. Is hearing loss in old age hereditary?
Yes, hereditary factors can contribute to hearing loss in old age. Genetic predisposition can affect how quickly and severely hearing declines.
4. What is the term for hearing loss common in old age?
The medical term for hearing loss common in old age is presbycusis.
