Hearing

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Over 1 billion young people worldwide may be at risk of hearing loss from unsafe listening^[1].

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and preventable^[2]. Once the delicate hair cells in your inner ear are damaged by loud noise, they do not regenerate.

Personal Audio Devices

Risk factors for hearing damage from headphones:

• Listening at high volumes – particularly above 85 dB
• Extended listening duration – damage is cumulative
• Background noise – people turn volume up to compensate for ambient noise
• In-ear earbuds – deliver sound closer to the eardrum than over-ear headphones

Safe Listening Guidelines

Occupational Noise

Prolonged exposure to noise above 85 dB at work causes hearing damage. Industries with highest risk:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Mining
• Agriculture
• Military service
• Music and entertainment

Employers in the EU must provide hearing protection when noise levels exceed 85 dB and regular hearing tests for exposed workers.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus^ⓘ

Hearing loss is the strongest risk factor for tinnitus^[5].

What Causes Tinnitus

• Noise exposure – both occupational and recreational
• Age-related hearing loss – the most common cause
• Ear infections or blockages – usually temporary
• Some medications – particularly high-dose aspirin, certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs
• Head or neck injuries
• Cardiovascular issues – in some cases

Tinnitus Management

There is currently no cure for chronic tinnitus, but several approaches can help:

• Hearing aids – if hearing loss is present, these often reduce tinnitus perception
• Sound therapy – using background noise to mask tinnitus
• Cognitive behavioural therapy – helps manage the emotional impact
• Avoiding triggers – caffeine, alcohol, and stress may worsen symptoms in some people

Age-Related Hearing Loss

Age-related hearing loss is the third leading cause of chronic disability in older adults^[6].

Presbycusis^ⓘ is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as people age. It's caused by:

• Cumulative damage to hair cells over a lifetime
• Changes in blood supply to the ear
• Changes in how the brain processes sound
• Genetic factors

Signs of Hearing Loss

• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
• Asking people to repeat themselves frequently
• Turning up TV or music volume
• Missing doorbell, phone, or alarm sounds
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)

Prevention

For Everyone

• Limit headphone volume and duration – follow the 60/60 rule
• Use earplugs at concerts and loud events – musician-grade earplugs reduce volume without distorting sound quality
• Take breaks from noise – give your ears time to recover
• Keep earbuds clean – ear infections can affect hearing
• Don't insert objects into ears – including cotton buds, which can push wax deeper

For Noisy Occupations

• Always wear provided hearing protection
• Report unsafe noise levels
• Take advantage of hearing tests
• Rotate between noisy and quiet tasks when possible

Getting Help

If you notice hearing changes:

• See a GP or audiologist for a hearing test
• Don't delay – early intervention is better
• Consider hearing aids if recommended – modern ones are discreet and effective
• Address underlying causes if identified

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