At EarHub, it's our mission to help educate everyone about the importance of protecting our ears.
Did you know that by 2030, adult-onset hearing loss will be among the top ten disease burdens in the UK, above cataracts and diabetes (1)?
1.1 billion young people (aged 12-35 years) are at risk of hearing loss due to noise exposure in recreational environments, according to the World Health Organization.
By 2031, it is estimated that 14.5 million people in the UK will have hearing loss, ie approximately 20% of the population (2). The numbers are staggering, but protecting our ears and preventing some of this damage is within our control.
Protect your ears by following these 4 simple steps:
1. Avoid noise-induced hearing loss
Noise-induced hearing loss is something we can all help to prevent. It is a growing concern, especially among the younger population. Remember to protect your ears from unnecessary noise. Turn down the volume on video games, TV and portable music players. Wear hearing protection (such as earmuffs or earmuffs) when you know you will be in a noisy environment (eg music shows, fireworks, DIY). You may find it surprising how noisy the world can be.
Some examples of common noises and their sound levels. Sounds above 85 dB are harmful to your ears.
2. Damage occurs faster as sounds get louder
Hearing damage increases over time. It doesn't take long for problems to develop. The image to the right shows some typical examples of how long your ears can safely withstand certain noise levels. Fireworks reach over 145dB. Do you protect your ears when watching a fireworks display?
Damage can occur more quickly as sounds get louder. Sounds above 85 dB are harmful to your ears.
3. Schedule a hearing test
Did you know you can schedule a hearing test to make sure your ears are working properly? Hearing tests do not seem to be considered a routine necessity, unlike a visit to the optician. While Specsavers is probably best known for their eye care and expertise, they also offer audiology centers where you can schedule a free hearing test. Boots also has hearing aid stores for similar services.
Alternatively, there are several online hearing tests that you can take from the comfort of your own home. Specsavers offers a free online trial and other companies like Resound do too.
If you are taking a hearing test at home, find a quiet place while you do it. Choose whether you prefer to use the device's speakers or headphones. Headphones will provide more accurate results and, unlike the device's speakers, will test your left and right ears individually. Make sure the volume is turned on and at a comfortable level.
4. Be careful when putting things in your ears
You may have heard an old saying that the smallest thing you should put in your ear is your elbow. For example, the use of cotton swabs in the ear is not recommended. Placing items in the ear can scratch the ear canal, push earwax into the ear, and even rupture the eardrum.
If you use foam plugs placed in the ear canal, follow the instructions provided. It's better to pay a little more for quality products. For example our premium soft foam plugs. The material used is soft and flexible for easy insertion. Alternatively, for those who don't want to stick to their ears, you can try our silicone ear protectors. They create a seal over the ear canal rather than being placed inside it. Silicone earplugs can also be washed and reused multiple times, so they are more economical for the regular wearer.