How to preserve your hearing

3 March 2025

3 March is World Hearing Day, which reminds us of the importance of preventing ear diseases. According to the WHO By 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people will have some degree of hearing loss and at least 700 million people - or one in 10 people worldwide - will need hearing rehabilitation.

The most common causes of hearing loss:

complications after infectious diseases;
chronic ear infections;
ear or head injuries;
Exposure to excessive noise;
taking certain medications;
age-related changes;
accumulation of exudate (fluid), earwax or foreign bodies in the ear.

Hearing impairment can be of varying degrees: mild, moderate, severe, profound. In the most severe cases, the following develops deafnessWhen a person can hardly hear or cannot hear at all. Hearing problems can occur in one or both ears.

How to preserve your hearing:

Have your hearing checked regularly;
Use earplugs in places with high noise levels;
If a doctor has recommended a hearing aid, do not delay its use;
Avoid exposure to loud sounds and prolonged noise at work - use special earplugs;
consult a doctor for any hearing or ear problems;
vaccinate children in accordance with the national vaccination schedule, as some infections (measles, rubella, mumps) can cause complications for the hearing aid;
Take medications that affect hearing only as prescribed and under medical supervision if the benefits outweigh the possible risks.

What not to do:

Do not insert cotton swabs, pins or other objects into the ear canal;
Avoid contact with contaminated water in the ears;
Do not share your headphones with others;
do not listen to music that is too loud - especially when wearing headphones (60 by 60 rule: maximum 60% volume for a maximum of 60 minutes).

To keep your ears healthy, follow good hygiene practices and have your hearing checked at least once a year. And if you notice that your hearing is getting worse, see a specialist immediately!

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