How can we prevent hearing loss?

What causes hearing loss? Can we prevent it? While there are several factors that contribute to hearing loss we can’t control, such as aging, genetics, and certain medical conditions, there are actions that you can adopt to keep your hearing sharp. With actionable tips and expert insights, we’ll help to turn up the volume on your hearing health.

Key Takeaways

• Hearing loss is a major health issue that can severely impact quality of life and can be caused by a variety of factors.
• Some hearing loss is preventable with measures like using ear protection and promoting circulation through a healthy lifestyle, including a proper diet and avoiding harmful habits like smoking.
• Regular hearing evaluations are critical for early detection and management of hearing loss

Understanding Hearing Loss

Hearing is a gateway to communication, safety, and connection. Unfortunately, for many people, hearing loss is a reality and can have a major effect on their quality of life. People with hearing loss are at higher risk for dementia, falls, and cognitive impairment (Podury et al, 2023). In addition, individuals with hearing loss are also more likely to experience social isolation and depression (Shukla et al, 2020).

While hearing loss can be managed with hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and aural rehabilitation, natural hearing, with very few exceptions, cannot be restored once it is lost. The best defenses we have against hearing loss are prevention and early intervention.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) emerges from the cacophony of life’s loudest moments. According to the World Health Organization, up to one-third of hearing loss can be attributed to noise exposure (Le et al, 2017). It is the second leading cause of hearing loss, next to aging (Natarajan et al, 2023).

Noise exposure can be classified as occupational, environmental, or recreational. Intensity of sound and duration of exposure are both taken into account when determining if a listening environment is safe. Prolonged exposure of noise at or above 75 dB can cause hearing loss over time, while a single exposure to noise above 120 dB can cause immediate damage and permanent hearing loss (Natarajan et al, 2023).

The good news is that prevention of noise-induced hearing loss is possible in most cases. Simple actions like retreating from loud noises, taking breaks, lowering the volume of electronic devices, and wearing appropriate hearing protection when noise cannot be avoided can mitigate the impact of noise. Regular screenings for those who are exposed to loud noise over prolonged periods of time are also helpful to monitor hearing and adjust preventative actions, if needed.

‍Ototoxicity

Some medications and chemicals can cause hearing loss. These substances are considered “ototoxic.” The most common ototoxic medications are used for cancer treatment (e.g. Cisplatin) or treatment of serious infections (e.g. Aminoglycoside antibiotics), and therefore use may be unavoidable, but it’s important to discuss these with your doctor and have regular hearing evaluations to monitor hearing before, during, and after treatment, if possible (Steyger, 2021).

Ototoxic chemicals are more common and often found in the workplace. Some industries associated with ototoxic chemicals include printing, painting, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and mining, but there are many others (Campo et al, 2013). Solvents, smoke from fires, asphyxiants, and metals, such as lead and mercury, are all identified as ototoxic substances. Exposure to these substances can result in hearing loss, which can be further aggravated by exposure to noise (Campo et al, 2013). Again, it’s important for individuals in these environments to have their hearing monitored closely with regular hearing screenings and diagnostic hearing evaluations.

Overall Health and Auditory Health

Did you know that there is a correlation between hearing loss and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes (Bainbridge et al, 2010)? In fact, several risk factors for CVD, including smoking, hypertension, and obesity are associated with microvascular damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which may cause damage to the inner ear (Mick et al, 2023).

Avoiding smoking and working with your doctor to manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity may actually help prevent some degree of hearing loss (Mick et al, 2023).

Dietary Choices for Healthy Hearing

Dietary choices impact your overall health, including your ears. Not only can nutrition help manage or prevent some of the health conditions listed above, there are certain nutrients that can directly impact hearing health.

Research indicates that diets with high levels of saturated fats and cholesterol can have a negative impact on hearing (Rodrigo et al, 2021). Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamins A, C, and E, which have antioxidant properties, may help prevent or delay some degree of age-related hearing loss (Rodrigo et al, 2021).

The Power of Regular Hearing Evaluations

Given the stealthy progression of diminished hearing, hearing screenings and diagnostic hearing evaluations are instrumental in detecting subtle signs of hearing loss before it becomes a problem, especially for individuals who identify with any of the above risk factors.

The digital age offers a prelude in the form of online hearing screenings. Yet, nothing compares to the comprehensive assessment by an audiologist or hearing instrumentation specialist in a sound booth with calibrated equipment. Their expertise diagnoses hearing loss and screens for medical conditions that may cause future hearing loss or tinnitus. Regular comprehensive hearing evaluations are essential to ensure the best possible care for your ears.

Summary

This article has underscored the multifaceted nature of hearing loss, emphasizing both unavoidable factors like aging and genetics, as well as preventable causes such as noise exposure and ototoxic substances. However, the encouraging news is that many instances of hearing loss can be prevented through informed choices and early interventions.

Effective strategies discussed here, including the use of protective equipment in noisy environments, adopting a lifestyle that supports overall health, and regular monitoring through comprehensive hearing evaluations, empower individuals to take charge of their auditory well-being. By implementing these practices, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss and maintain clear communication and engagement with the world around them.

In addition, the integration of digital health tools and tele-audiology promises greater accessibility and convenience in hearing care. Online screenings and remote consultations complement traditional in-office visits, ensuring that individuals receive timely support wherever they may be.

Ultimately, by embracing these proactive approaches and leveraging the latest innovations in audiology, we can collectively strive towards a future where hearing loss is minimized, and everyone can enjoy a life enriched by clear and vibrant sound.