5 practical ways to care for your hearing
This year’s World Hearing Day theme—“Changing mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!”—highlights the importance of proactive hearing care and raising awareness within our communities.
At Hearing Australia, we believe that maintaining good hearing is crucial not only for communication but also for overall wellbeing. We want to share some practical ways you can care for your hearing:
1. Protect your ears from loud noises
One of the easiest ways to protect your hearing is to avoid exposure to loud sounds. Whether it’s at a concert, in a noisy workplace, or while listen to music through headphones, loud noises can cause permanent damage to your hearing. Try the 60/60 rule—listen to music at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time. If you have to raise your voice to talk to someone, it’s a sign the noise around you is too loud.
2. Use ear protection
If you’re in environments where you can’t turn down the noise, such as at construction sites or concerts, wearing ear protection is essential. Disposable or reusable earplugs can significantly reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing damage. Make sure to use them in environments where loud noise is unavoidable.
3. Keep your ears clean (but don’t overdo it!)
It’s important to keep your ears clean, but don’t use cotton buds or other objects that can push wax deeper into the ear canal. Instead, gently wipe the outer ear with a cloth and use drops to help manage the build-up of ear wax. If you’re having trouble with earwax build-up, see a professional to have it safely removed.
4. Manage your health
Certain health conditions can affect your hearing, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and ear infections. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle— through eating well, staying active, and managing chronic conditions—can have a positive impact on your hearing health. Regular check-ups with your doctor can also help spot any early signs of hearing issues.
5. Get regular hearing check-ups
Just like any other aspect of your health, your hearing needs regular attention. If you notice any changes in your ability to hear, whether it’s difficulty understanding conversations, turning up the volume on the TV, or ringing in your ears, don’t wait to get a hearing assessment. Hearing checks are quick and easy.
loss can lead to frustration, anxiety, and depression. Staying engaged with family, friends, and your community helps keep your mind sharp and supports emotional wellbeing. If you’re struggling to hear, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
A final thought
Taking care of your hearing should be a lifelong commitment. Whether it’s making simple adjustments to protect your ears or seeking professional care, each step plays a role in ensuring your hearing remains healthy. If you’re struggling to hear, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Untreated hearing loss can lead to frustration, anxiety, and depression Let’s prioritise our hearing health, so we can continue to connect with the world around us.
