Tips to Avoid Preventable Hearing Loss

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) approximately 48 million people in the United States have some degree of hearing loss.

A person is considered to have hearing loss if they are unable to hear within the normal hearing range of frequencies between 20 to 20,000Hz.

The loudness of a sound is generally measured in decibels (dB) and the normal audible range for the loudness of sound is 0 to 20 decibels (dB).



Some other examples include the following:

• Conversational level: 40 to 60 dB


• Garbage disposal: 80 dB


• Thunderclap: 120 dB


• Firework: 150 to 175 dB

The severity of hearing loss can range from mild to profound and can affect one or both ears.

People who are hard of hearing usually experience mild to severe hearing loss and can benefit from assistive devices such as hearing aids like those from Helix Hearing Care as well as cochlear implants.

Deaf people, who have little to no hearing, are considered as having profound hearing loss.

Causes of Hearing Loss

There are many factors that can cause hearing loss and can affect a person at different stages in their life. These can include the following:

• Hereditary factors- Genetic mutations can cause hearing loss or make a person more likely to experience hearing loss


• Infections – These can be in utero infections like cytomegalovirus, meningitis or rubella, or chronic suppurative otitis media in childhood


• Birth problems- A lack of oxygen at birth or a low-birth-weight


• Smoking


• Ototoxic Medicines – Such as chemotherapy drugs and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)


• Head or Ear Injuries

Nutritional Deficiencies

Medical Conditions –These include diabetes, osteoporosis, and multiple sclerosis.



Age-related hearing loss also develops naturally as a person ages due to changes within the inner ear as the tiny hair cells die or become damaged as well as external factors such as continuous exposure to loud noise or existing health conditions.

Although certain types of hearing loss may not be preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of developing hearing loss.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 50% of hearing loss can be prevented through public health measures and individual lifestyle choices.

In this article, we will look at some of the ways you can reduce damage to your ears and reduce your risk of hearing loss.

Look After Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can cause damage to the network of blood vessels in the body, including those that supply blood to the ears. Studies have shown there to be a significant connection between high blood pressure, or hypertension, and the degeneration of hearing.

There are many ways to manage your blood pressure including keeping your cholesterol in check. High cholesterol can cause hardening of the arteries making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood around the body. The added exertion on the heart causes blood pressure to increase which can have an adverse effect on your hearing.

You can prevent high blood pressure through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of hearing loss with one study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finding that smokers were 1.69 times as likely to have hearing loss as non-smokers.



Nicotine and carbon monoxide found in tobacco smoke lower oxygen levels in the blood and cause the blood vessels around the body and inner ear to constrict. This can negatively impact your ability to hear.

The eustachian tube equalizes the air pressure and fluid buildup inside your ears. Smoking can cause irritation and blockages within the eustachian tube leading to obstruction, swelling, or pain which can all contribute to hearing loss.

Free radicals found in cigarette smoke can also cause damage to the cells and structure in the ears and nicotine can cause damage to the neurotransmitters in the cochlear nerve which are responsible for the brain’s ability to interpret the sounds you hear. By avoiding smoking you can lower your chances of developing hearing loss.

Keep Blood Sugar Under Control

Both high or low blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage contributing to a loss of hearing. Blood sugar levels that are too high can cause nerve and blood vessel damage to the inner ear while low blood sugar levels can damage the way nerve signals communicate between the inner ear and brain.



According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes, therefore, managing blood sugar levels is essential to healthy hearing.

If you have diabetes, it is important to get your hearing checked and to monitor your blood sugar levels. Other ways to prevent hearing loss include:

• Following your doctor’s advice and medication plan


• Keeping your blood pressure in check


• Managing your weight


• Regular exercise

Eat Well

Eating a diet that is high in certain vitamins and minerals can help you maintain good hearing.

A large study published in 2018 involving over 70,000 women examined the effects of three different diets over 22 years, finding there to be a positive correlation between eating a healthy diet and a lower risk of hearing loss.

The three diets included the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet (DASH), the alternate Mediterranean diet (AMED), and the 2010 Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010). All three diets are rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains as well as poultry, seafood, and low-fat dairy products. Sodium, sugar, and fats are limited and alcohol and refined or processed foods are discouraged.

Studies have shown that consuming fruits, vegetables, polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3s, and vitamins A, C, and E can also help prevent age-related hearing loss.

Check Medications

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) there are over 200 medications that can damage the sensory cells in the ear or its nerve supply causing hearing loss.

These ototoxic drugs can include over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin as well as certain cancer medications, quinine, hydroxychloroquine, and chloroquine.

Make sure to review your medication and check with your doctor that it will not impair your hearing. In some cases, an alternative medication may be available that is not ototoxic and will not increase your risk of hearing loss.

The first signs of ototoxicity are usually ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and can also include the following symptoms:

• Vertigo


• Loss of coordination


• Dizziness


• Headache


• Nausea or vomiting


• Feeling disoriented


• Oscillopsia, or objects appearing to vibrate or jump


• Pressure in the ears or feeling like something is stuffed in them

Limit Exposure to Loud Sounds

There are many sources of noise-induced hearing loss such as fireworks, airplane engines, ambulance sirens, and loud music so it is important to protect your ears when you are exposed to loud sounds that could damage your hearing.



Use protection such as earplugs or earmuffs when engaged in loud activities such as gun firing or drilling to avoid tinnitus or ringing in the ears and always wear protective gear in your workplace if your job requires you to. Other tips to prevent hearing loss include:

• Turn the volume down on devices such as your TV and radio


• Avoid excessively loud or noisy places and activities


• Try to take breaks when exposed to loud sounds, such as at music concerts


• Stay away from speakers or loud sound sources


• Let your ears recover after exposure to loud noise

By following the guidance in this article, you can greatly reduce your risk of hearing loss.

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