Preventing Hearing Loss: Protect Your Ears for Life! March 3rd marks global World Hearing Day annually. The focus for 2025 is “Changing mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!”
There is no better time to raise awareness about hearing loss and how to prevent it. Hearing is a precious sense that connects us to each other, yet it is often taken for granted.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates up to 60% of hearing loss in children is preventable. In adults, the onset of hearing loss can be delayed or avoided through preventative and protective measures.
1. Implement Safe Listening practices
Unsafe listening is the common practice of listening to music or audio content at loud levels for prolonged periods of time.
• Follow the 60/60 rule when listening to music or audio content: listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. If unsure, try to ensure that even with your sound ‘on’, you can hear someone speaking to you at a normal volume of conversation.
• Wear hearing protection earplugs or headphones in loud environments, such as concerts and live sports games
• Move away from the source of loud sounds whenever possible.
• Give your ears a break if you have been in loud noise.
• Teach your children about safe listening habits without raising excessive fear or anxiety. Many devices have parental controls to set a safe listening volume and restrict exposure time.
2. Protect Your Ears at Work
If you work in a noisy environment, such as a factory, airport or construction site, use hearing protection plugs or earmuffs for preventing hearing loss. Many workplaces have hearing conservation programs, so take advantage of these resources.
3. Regular Hearing Check-ups
Regular hearing check ups should form part of your annual healthcare routine. Early detection of hearing issues can prevent further deterioration.
4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
What’s good for your heart is also good for your ears! Exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking all contribute to better circulation and ear health for preventing hearing loss. Chronic health conditions like diabetes, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke can all have an impact on your hearing. Get regular check ups with your doctor to monitor and manage these more effectively.
5. Address Hearing Loss Early
If you notice signs of hearing loss, such as asking people to repeat themselves frequently (especially in environments with background noise) or turning up the TV too loud, seek help right away. The earlier any hearing change is identified and managed, the better.
By taking small, proactive steps, you can preserve your hearing and enjoy the sounds of life for years to come. This World Hearing Day, make a pledge to protect your ears—they (and your loved ones) will thank you later! Spread the word and help others protect their hearing too!
For more tips on how to protect your hearing, click here.