Caring for Your Hearing
Our hearing connects us with people and experiences every day. Looking after it is an important part of maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Whether you’re already managing some hearing loss or simply want to protect your hearing for the future, small and consistent steps can make a lasting difference.
At DWM Audiology, we work with individuals and families across Melbourne to build awareness of how everyday choices influence hearing health and how practical habits can help prevent further loss.
Why Hearing Protection Matters
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most preventable forms of hearing damage. Ongoing or repeated exposure to loud sound can injure the delicate cells of the inner ear, and once these cells are damaged, they do not grow back.
Sounds above 85 decibels (dBA), around the level of busy traffic or a noisy restaurant, can cause harm over time. The louder the noise, the less exposure is needed for damage to occur.
Protecting your hearing is about managing sound exposure so you can continue to enjoy everyday life while keeping your ears safe.
Common Sources of Harmful Noise
Noise exposure isn’t limited to concerts or construction sites. Gradual loss can result from the sounds many of us encounter daily, including:
- Home and garden equipment such as lawnmowers, whipper snippers and power tools (often 90-100 dBA).
- Music and entertainment: high-volume headphones, concerts or sporting events can easily exceed safe limits.
- Workplaces including trades, hospitality, manufacturing and gym studio settings where background noise is constant.
- Hobbies and recreation such as motorcycling, live music or shooting sports that generate high sound levels.
When these activities are part of your routine, regular hearing protection is important.
Choosing Hearing Protection That Works for You
Good hearing protection should fit well, feel comfortable and suit the situations where you need it most. Common types include:
Earplugs
- Foam plugs provide simple, affordable protection for occasional noise exposure.
- Reusable silicone or flanged earplugs are practical for moderate or frequent use.
- Custom-moulded earplugs, shaped precisely to your ears, provide a secure and comfortable fit. These are often chosen by musicians, travellers and anyone regularly in noisy surroundings.
Earmuffs
Earmuffs fully cover the ears and are easy to put on and remove. They can be useful for work or home projects where noise levels vary. In very loud environments, combining earplugs and earmuffs can offer added protection.
You may need some extra guidance and custom fitting for comfortable, reliable protection.
Reducing Noise Exposure in Daily Life
Protective devices are one part of healthy hearing care. Limiting your overall exposure to loud sound is just as important. Simple approaches include:
- Lower the volume on listening devices and take listening breaks.
- Create distance, as even a few metres away from noise can reduce its impact.
- Give your ears time to rest between noisy activities.
- Be mindful of how long you are exposed to noise, as duration increases the risk of harm.
Building these habits helps protect your hearing throughout life.
Supporting Hearing Health and General Wellbeing
Hearing health is closely linked to overall physical health. Conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes can affect hearing over time. To support long-term ear health:
- Schedule regular hearing checks, especially after age 50 or if you work in noisy environments.
- Stay active to promote healthy blood flow, including to the inner ear.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as both can influence hearing health.
- Speak with your doctor about any medications that may have hearing or balance side effects.
Modern hearing care often includes digital hearing tests and, when appropriate, teleaudiology consultations for convenient follow-up and ongoing care.
Understanding and Taking Positive Action
Concerns about hearing changes are common, but learning how to manage and protect your hearing offers reassurance and control. With awareness, the right protection and regular monitoring, most people can maintain good hearing health for many years.
At DWM Audiology, our clinicians combine professional expertise with empathy and careful listening. We’ll assess your hearing, discuss effective protection strategies and provide guidance tailored to your lifestyle.
A comprehensive hearing assessment can help you understand your current hearing and support your long-term wellbeing.
Recent Comments