Hearing Loss: Don’t Take Your Hearing For Granted

Special to Times-Record The saying “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” is never more true than in regard to hearing. It’s easy to take hearing for granted, but even momentary hearing loss can highlight how vital it is to protect hearing.

People rely on headphones or ear buds to listen to music, stream movies or participate in work-related meetings more than ever before. Having the volume too loud can contribute to hearing loss over time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says five in 10 young people listen to their music or other audio too loudly. Overall, 48 million people in the United States have trouble hearing in one or both of their ears.

To protect hearing and guard against future hearing loss, consider these recommendations.

- Reach out to a professional for a baseline hearing test. It’s easier to measure hearing loss if there is a baseline by which it can be measured. An audiologist can set the course for monitoring progression of any future hearing loss.

- Turn down the volume. Experts recommend adhering to the 60/60 rule when enjoying audio through headphones. This suggestion is to listen with the headphones at no more than 60 percent volume for no more than 60 minutes a day. Earbuds fit directly next to the eardrum and can be harmful to your hearing. If possible, choose over-the-ear headphones instead.

- Keep your ears dry. Moisture in the ear can cause bacteria to grow and potentially lead to infections. Towel-dry ears gently after showering or swimming. Avoid the temptation to use cotton swabs to dry the ears. For the most part, ears are self-cleaning, and using a cotton swab can push wax and cause it to become compacted in the ear canal.

For more hearing health reach out to local professionals. Let the experts lead you to in the right direction so that you can hear better and hear more.