World Hearing Day takes place every year on 3 March.
Organised by the World Health Organization (WHO), this year’s focus is on safe listening habits and the steps you can take to protect your hearing.
Our expert audiologist, Laura Ewen, gives her top tips for how to look after your hearing so you can keep being you.
What is noise-induced hearing loss?
“Noise-induced hearing loss happens when hair cells in the hearing organ (the cochlea) are damaged by being exposed to higher-than-normal noise levels.
“Excessive long-term exposure to louder-than-normal sounds is the main cause of noise-induced hearing loss.”
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What are the risk factors of noise-induced hearing loss?
“The extent of the damage and the speed of its onset depend on a number of factors, including:
- How long you’ve been exposed to loud noises
- The sound level and how close you are to the sound source
- Level of hearing protection being worn (if any)
“Noise-induced hearing loss is usually caused by either recreational noise (loud music, concerts, headphone use, etc.) or occupational noise (working in a factory, industrial noise, working on a construction site without hearing protection, etc.). The latter is sometimes called industrial hearing loss.”
Is noise-induced hearing loss permanent?
“Unfortunately damage done to the tiny hair cells in your ears cannot be undone. But there are treatments available, such as hearing aids, which can improve your hearing ability.
“Practising safe listening habits can help prevent noise-induced hearing loss and could help to keep your hearing healthy.”
Laura’s top tips for preventing noise-induced hearing loss
1. Follow the 60/60 rule. If you’re using headphones, listen at no more than 60% of your device’s volume, and take a break every 60 minutes. Well-fitted, noise-cancelling headphones can reduce the need to turn the volume up.
2. Use ear protection. You can wear earplugs in noisy environments, and move away from the sound source, such as a loudspeaker at a concert.
3. Take regular breaks. Limit your exposure to loud sounds by giving your ears and hearing a rest.
4. Make the most of technology. There are apps available that can monitor your listening habits, and others that can monitor decibel levels of your environment.
