Hearing is a precious sense that allows us to connect with the world and communicate effectively. However, many common everyday activities have the potential to harm our hearing. From exposure to loud music and noisy events to the improper use of headphones and exposure to occupational noise, it is essential to be aware of these potential risks.

Your ear specialists of Omaha want to provide tips on how to safeguard your auditory health and go over some everyday activities that could harm your hearing!

Loud music and noisy events

Listening to music at high volumes through headphones or attending concerts and music events with amplified sound can cause significant damage to your hearing. Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. It's crucial to keep the volume at a safe level, take breaks from loud environments and use earplugs at concerts to reduce the risk of hearing damage.

Using headphones for extended periods, especially at high volumes, can be harmful to your hearing. In-ear headphones, in particular, can pose a greater risk as they sit closer to the eardrum. Opt for over-the-ear headphones when possible and keep the volume at a safe level. The 60/60 rule is a good guideline: listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.

Occupational noise, power tools and heavy machinery

People working in noisy environments, such as construction sites, factories or music venues, are exposed to hazardous noise levels regularly. Continuous exposure to loud noise from power tools, heavy machinery or industrial equipment can lead to irreversible hearing damage. Wearing proper hearing protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, is essential to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss.

Poor ear cleaning

While it is essential to keep our ears clean, improper ear-cleaning methods can be harmful. Inserting objects like cotton swabs or hairpins into the ear canal can push earwax deeper, causing blockages and potential damage to the ear canal or eardrum. Earwax serves as a protective barrier, and it is best to let the ears clean themselves naturally. If you experience earwax buildup or discomfort, consult your ear specialists of Omaha for safe and appropriate ear-cleaning methods.

Loud household appliances

Certain household appliances, such as blenders, vacuum cleaners and hair dryers, can produce loud noise levels. Prolonged exposure to these noises, especially at close distances, can contribute to hearing damage. If possible, maintain distance from noisy appliances while they are in use or consider wearing ear protection in such situations.

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Engaging in everyday activities that expose us to loud sounds without proper precautions can lead to irreversible hearing loss and impact our overall quality of life. By being mindful of the potential risks, we can take proactive steps to safeguard our hearing health. By adopting healthy hearing practices and incorporating hearing protection into our daily routines, we can ensure that our ears remain healthy and that we continue to enjoy the world of sounds around us for years to come.

If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss symptoms from any of these everyday activities, contact your ear specialists of Omaha today to see how we can help!