Tips for everyday life to protect your hearing health

I want to share some tips for maintaining your hearing in daily life, as I see news about the increasing number of young hearing-impaired patients these days.

Like all other degenerative diseases, once hearing is lost, it is difficult to recover. Therefore, prevention in daily life to maintain good hearing is very important.

 

First, you should avoid being repeatedly exposed to loud noises.

Loud noises have a negative impact on the sound detection organs, and if this is repeatedly sustained, it can lead to hearing loss. It is advisable to avoid noise levels above 90 decibels. Sounds like drills at construction sites while walking can easily exceed 100 decibels, and airplane takeoff sounds, rock concert music, and others can surpass 120 decibels, making them extremely loud. If you are in a situation where exposure to such noise is unavoidable, be sure to bring earplugs.

 

Second, please reduce the volume and duration of using earphones.

Recently, one of the major causes of hearing loss among young people is being pointed out. I am really worried when I see people listening at such high volumes in places like subways, to the extent that those around them can hear. Even if it doesn't show immediately, these periods of high volume can lead to early onset of hearing loss. It's better to lower the volume and reduce usage time.

 

Third, you should avoid stress and take good care of your health.

Most people who suffer from sudden hearing loss often have a history of experiencing significant stress, major illness, or major events in their family or workplace around that time. The frightening aspect of sudden hearing loss is that sound suddenly becomes almost inaudible, and if not treated promptly, hearing may not recover. Even if recovery occurs, it is a serious condition where regaining the previous level of hearing is often impossible. Managing overall health and body condition is extremely important.

 

Fourth, please treat to prevent chronic otitis media.

Chronic otitis media, which we often consider minor, is a cause of hearing loss. Especially, children are more prone to otitis media due to the shape of their Eustachian tubes. Please ensure that children who have difficulty expressing themselves receive prompt treatment. Adults are also advised to seek medical treatment if they experience inflammation or discharge from their ears. Do not try to resolve these issues with cotton swabs or ear picks, as this can cause further injury.

 

In addition, lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, and maintaining healthy eating habits that help preserve hearing are also beneficial in preventing other diseases, so it's good to pay attention to them.