7 health tips to prevent hearing loss

It’s easy to take our ears for granted but taking good care of them will benefit us in the long run.

Specialists in ear, nose, throat, and neck surgery stress that proper ear care is crucial for shielding the ears from harmful sounds and substances, such as water, to help prevent hearing loss.

According to a World Health Organisation report dated October 7, 2024, around 40 million Africans are currently living with hearing loss, with projections indicating this figure could rise to 54 million by 2030 unless urgent action is taken.

The global health body also estimates that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people will have some degree of hearing loss, with at least 700 million requiring hearing rehabilitation.

“Over one billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.

“An annual additional investment of less than $1.40 per person is needed to scale up ear and hearing care services globally. Over 10 years, this promises a return of nearly $16 for every US dollar invested,” the WHO stated.

To prevent hearing loss and maintain optimal ear health among Nigerians, experts advise adhering to the following health tips:

Avoid medications not prescribed by doctors

The Chief Consultant Otolaryngologist at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State, Professor Mala Sandabe, cautioned against the use of aminoglycosides unless prescribed by a doctor. Aminoglycosides are potent antibiotics used to treat severe infections caused by gram-negative bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas.

According to him, common examples of gram-negative bacteria include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

He added that these bacteria are often associated with infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and food poisoning.

The consultant explained that these medications work by preventing bacteria from producing the proteins necessary for their growth and multiplication.

He, however, said even legal use of these drugs can sometimes result in hearing loss and advised against self-medication, especially with antibiotics.

Avoid inserting anything into your ears

Sandabe also warned against inserting objects into the ear for cleaning, noting that the ear is self-cleaning.

He stressed that sticking items like cotton buds can damage the ear canal and inner ear.

“If you need to clean your ear, use a soft cloth on the outer ear only. Putting anything into the ear can cause infections and potentially permanent hearing loss,” he cautioned.

Get regular hearing tests

Regular hearing tests are essential for detecting early changes in hearing, particularly as one ages, after exposure to loud sounds, or after using certain medications.

Regular checks help monitor hearing health and explore solutions like advanced hearing aids if necessary.

Don’t remove ear wax?

Ear wax is a natural substance produced by the ear to trap dirt, hair, and other particles, thus protecting and cleaning the ear.

“There is usually no need to remove ear wax,” Prof. Sandabe said. However, if the wax builds up and hardens, it may require removal, which should only be done by a trained healthcare professional or doctor.

Avoid stress

High-stress levels can negatively affect your hearing, potentially causing problems like tinnitus (ringing in the ears), findings have shown.

Managing stress and anxiety can reduce the risk of ear issues and promote better ear health. Incorporating relaxation activities into your daily routine can help alleviate stress.

Consider listening to music that calms and soothes the nerves, take a warm bath or engage in your favourite hobbies.

Finding and regularly engaging in activities you enjoy can help lower tension, improve blood flow, and reduce the likelihood of tinnitus.

Don’t listen to loud music

If you can’t hear external sounds while wearing headphones or if others can hear your music, the volume is too high.

The WHO recommends keeping the volume of personal music players at 60 per cent for no more than 60 minutes a day. If you experience ear pain from your music, take a break.

“Loud music for prolonged periods can cause permanent hearing damage. Our ears have a limited capacity for loud noise, and excessive exposure can lead to shut down,” warned Head of the Department of Ear, Nose, Throat, and Neck Surgery at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, Dr Enema Amodu.

It was also advised that the ears should always be kept dry as excess moisture in them can lead to infections, according to the WHO.

After swimming or showering, tilt your head to one side and gently pull your earlobe to let the water drain out. Use a towel to pat the outer ear dry and avoid inserting anything into the ear canal, as this could cause damage.

Use ear protection for loud music

If you frequently attend concerts or are exposed to loud environments, wear earplugs or earmuffs to safeguard your hearing. Taking breaks from loud music also helps protect your ears as a single loud night out can require up to 16 hours of quiet for your ears to recover.

Earplugs are especially useful in environments with extremely loud sounds, such as factories or airports, and are easy to carry. Taking a five-minute break from loud noise can provide some relief, but earplugs or earmuffs offer superior protection.

Meanwhile, the experts advised against frequent use of earphones, iPods, MP3 Players, and Bluetooth devices

It was noted that using earbuds and Bluetooth devices at high volumes can harm the ears over time, leading to ear ringing (tinnitus) or even permanent hearing loss.

“Be mindful of the volume, and take breaks to protect your hearing,” advised the Head of the Department of Ear, Nose, Throat, and Neck Surgery at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja.

Don’t indulge in void harmful practices capable of damaging the ear – prevention is critical. Avoid anything that could harm your ears, and seek medical attention if you experience ear-related issues.

“Unfortunately, many health centres lack specialists to treat ear problems, making preventive measures even more important,” Amodu, who also serves as Secretary General of the Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Society of Nigeria.