Hearing clearly is something you may take for granted — until it becomes a challenge. An estimated 40 million adults in the United States have some level of noise-induced hearing loss, a permanent condition that’s often preventable.
Seeking expert guidance and care for your auditory health? At ENT New York, board-certified otolaryngologist Vandana Kumra, MD, offers comprehensive hearing evaluations to assess your needs and determine the best solution.
While some factors in hearing loss may be unavoidable, such as age-related changes, you can take action now to keep your ears sharp for years. Read on to explore our top four tips to protect your hearing.
Thousands of tiny hair cells within your inner ear convert vibrations into electrical signals that your brain interprets as sound. Excessive noise can permanently damage these cells — it could be a single, ear-splitting event (like an explosion or gunshot) or, more commonly, repeated or prolonged exposure to high decibel levels.
To avoid damage, consider wearing hearing protection in noisy situations, such as:
Various options include foam earplugs, reusable silicone earplugs, and noise-cancelling earmuffs. What works best depends on the specific situation and your comfort level — talk to Dr. Kumra if you’re unsure how much protection you need.
From headphones and earbuds to car and home audio systems, the options for enjoying your favorite music are endless. However, listening at high volumes for extended periods can contribute to permanent hearing loss.
To protect your ears, keep the volume below 60% of the maximum level, and give your ears a 10-15-minute break after every 50 to 60 minutes of listening. Consider investing in noise-cancelling headphones, which block out ambient sounds and reduce the temptation to turn up the volume.
While it’s often done with the best intentions, cleaning your ears with cotton swabs can pose a major risk to your hearing. Your ear canals are self-cleaning — earwax and debris should naturally find their way out.
When you push a cotton swab or any other object into your ear, you may push wax deeper, creating blockages that can cause pain and reduce hearing. Worse, a careless poke can puncture the eardrum, leading to severe pain and potentially permanent damage.
If you’re experiencing earwax buildup, discomfort, or itching in your ears, don’t try to take care of it yourself. Instead, consult with Dr. Kumra for safe and effective care.
When was your last hearing test? If you have to think back to childhood, now might be a good time to schedule one.
A baseline hearing test between the ages of 21 and 60 provides a valuable benchmark to track future changes, and regular checkups are key to lifelong ear health. For children, early screening is essential.
Beyond proactive screening, it’s important to get timely care for acute concerns. Make an appointment if you experience symptoms like ear pain, sudden hearing changes, ear ringing (tinnitus), or signs of infection.
Early intervention often addresses underlying issues or keeps existing conditions from getting worse. If you’re dealing with irreversible hearing loss, Dr. Kumra can guide you towards the best solutions for your specific needs.
Don’t wait until there’s a problem to prioritize your hearing. Contact ENT New York online or by phone to schedule your assessment today.
