It’s time to set your New Year’s resolutions! While most people focus on goals like eating healthier, getting more sleep or saving money, one crucial area of health often gets overlooked—your hearing. Let’s explore a few simple resolutions to help you take better care of your ears in the year ahead.
1. Wear Earplugs
Sound is measured in decibels (dB) or A-weighted decibels (dBA), meaning they take into account what the human ear can perceive. For example, the maximum volume of music through your headphones ranges from 94-110 dB. Prolonged or repeated exposure to sound measuring 85 dBA or higher can result in permanent hearing damage. The louder the sound, the shorter time it takes to damage hearing.
When you’re in loud environments like construction zones or concerts at Zorba Music Hall, your hearing is at risk. Wearing earplugs is one of the best ways to protect your hearing in these environments. Foam, silicone or custom earplugs help lessen the impact of sound on your ears, allowing you to enjoy music without damaging your hearing.
2. Lower the Volume
Jamming out to your favorite tunes is a fantastic way to unwind, but cranking up the volume too high can permanently harm your hearing. To protect your ears, try setting a decibel limit on your phone—keeping it below 80 dB is a safe bet. For an even better listening experience, use noise-canceling over-the-ear headphones. They block background noise so that you can enjoy your music at a lower, ear-friendly volume.
3. Stop Using Cotton Swabs
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears without realizing the damage they could be doing. Using cotton swabs in your ears can push earwax deeper into the canal, tear or irritate the thin skin on or around the eardrum and increase your risk of infection. In most cases, earwax will move out of the ear on its own. If you suspect excess earwax is blocking your ear canal, schedule an appointment with your provider for safe removal.
4. Schedule a Hearing Test
Many people without noticeable signs of hearing loss haven’t had a hearing test since grade school. Regular hearing tests are essential—they help your audiologist establish a baseline for your hearing and detect any changes early. Catching hearing loss early allows you to seek treatment before it negatively impacts your well-being.
Make 2025 the year of hearing health. Contact Massachusetts Hearing Group today to schedule an appointment with one of our hearing specialists.