It’s easy to overlook the importance of your hearing and ear health. However, many everyday actions that seem harmless can cause permanent damage.
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| Do you go to live sporting events? Attend school concerts? Pay attention. We Are via Getty Images |
Adding to the complexity, the harmful effects of these behaviors may take years to become noticeable. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your ears as you age.
Morfeli spoke with doctors who specialize in ear health to learn about the habits they avoid. Below are the practices they steer clear of.
They always carry earplugs
“I never leave the house without a pair of earplugs in my purse,” says Dr. Maura Cosetti, director of the Ear Institute at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. “While it’s easier to think about ear protection at an indoor concert, there are many situations where we’re unexpectedly exposed to loud and harmful noise.”
She emphasized that noise-induced hearing loss is very common and irreversible, which is why prevention is crucial for maintaining hearing health.
“Whether it’s a concert, sporting event, operating heavy machinery, or using a firearm, I always recommend hearing protection,” says Dr. Kenny Lin, an ENT specialist at Houston Methodist Hospital. “Protecting our ears from loud noise is the most important factor in preventing noise-induced hearing loss. I keep concert earplugs in my car so they’re accessible if I’m at a loud event.”
They take precautions before flying with congestion
“I’d never fly with a stuffy nose without using a decongestant or special air travel earplugs,” says Dr. Bradley B. Block, an otolaryngologist and host of the podcast “Physician’s Guide to Doctoring.” “Flying with congestion can make it hard to pop your ears during descent, causing pain and possibly fluid in the ear or a ruptured eardrum.”
Flying while congested can worsen “airplane ear” symptoms due to impaired ear function. If you can’t avoid flying, use a decongestant and ensure you take the right dose for the duration of the flight.
Block also suggests buying travel earplugs, which filter air to help your ears adjust to pressure changes.
They don’t ignore hearing loss
Otolaryngologist Dr. Sreekant Cherukuri advises against ignoring hearing loss. While sudden changes in hearing could signal another issue, gradual hearing loss should also be addressed.
“Studies link untreated hearing loss to higher risks of depression, anxiety, social isolation, and increased fall risk,” Cherukuri says.
He also noted a Johns Hopkins study that found dementia was 61% more common in people with hearing loss, but using hearing aids reduced dementia prevalence by 32%.
They don’t clean their ears
“I never clean my ears,” Block says. “Ears are self-cleaning. The body makes wax and pushes it out naturally, and if left alone, wax usually won’t accumulate. Wax protects ears from water, so removing it makes them more vulnerable.”
Without enough wax, water can cause infections like otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear.
“Removing wax can also leave ears dry, flaky, and itchy,” Block adds. “Cleaning can push wax in, scratch the canal, or damage the eardrum.”
If you’re worried about earwax buildup or sudden hearing loss, consult a doctor, but avoid using Q-tips in your ears.
They avoid loud music or podcasts through earbuds
“Personal listening devices have caused issues since the Sony Walkman era,” says Dr. Robert Sataloff, a professor of otolaryngology at Drexel University College of Medicine.
“Some newer devices have sound limiters, but if someone next to you can hear your music through earbuds, it’s potentially dangerous.”
Block still uses earbuds but recommends caution. “Modern headphones block ambient sounds, so we don’t need to listen as loudly,” he says. “But with powerful speakers in those small devices, I never listen at full volume.”
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| Ear specialists urge mindfulness around earbud volume. Tatiana Maksimova via Getty Images |
They use proper ear protection
“Don’t use inadequate ear protection for anticipated noise exposure,” says Sataloff. “Ear protectors have a noise reduction rating (NRR). To protect your hearing, ensure the sound reaching your eardrums stays below 85 decibels.”
He recommends using sound level meter apps to measure noise levels and determine appropriate ear protection.
“Phone apps aren’t as accurate as professional meters, but they’re close enough,” Sataloff says. “Using two or three apps can give you a rough idea of sound levels.”
They avoid ototoxic drugs when possible
“Whenever possible, avoid ototoxic drugs—medications that can damage your ears,” Sataloff advises. “Many drugs cause permanent hearing loss, and recovery isn’t possible.”
Ototoxic medications include certain antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs. If alternatives exist, consult your doctor about possible side effects.
“It’s reasonable to ask if a drug is ototoxic,” Sataloff suggests, “and whether there are other options.”
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