In this article, you will learn:
- Why small daily habits have a big impact on long-term hearing health
- Seven practical, easy-to-follow actions to reduce your risk of hearing loss
- When to seek professional help and book a diagnostic hearing assessment
Hearing health is not something to think about only when there is a problem.
The reality is that hearing loss often develops gradually. It may start with struggling to hear in background noise, missing parts of conversations, or feeling tired after social interactions. Left untreated, it can affect communication, relationships, confidence and even cognitive wellbeing.
The good news is that many common causes of hearing damage are preventable. Below is a clear, practical checklist you can use and share with family and friends.
1. Turn the volume down
If you regularly listen to music, podcasts or videos through headphones, follow the 60 60 rule. Listen at no more than 60 percent of maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time.
Quick test:
If someone standing next to you can hear your music through your headphones, it is too loud.
2. Use hearing protection in noisy environments
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent but preventable.
Use earplugs or earmuffs when:
- Attending concerts or sporting events
- Working with power tools
- Riding a motorcycle
- Working in industrial or high-noise settings
Custom-fitted hearing protection offers better comfort and protection compared to over-the-counter options.
3. Give your ears recovery time
After exposure to loud noise, your ears need time to recover.
If you attend a loud event, keep the rest of your day and the following day as quiet as possible. Avoid stacking loud exposures, such as a gym class followed by loud music in the car.
4. Be alert to early warning signs
Early signs of hearing loss often include:
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Turning the TV volume up higher than others prefer
- Difficulty hearing in restaurants or group conversations
- Persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to book a professional assessment.
5. Protect children’s hearing
Children are increasingly exposed to high noise levels through devices and toys.
Parents can:
- Monitor headphone volume
- Choose quieter toys
- Limit exposure to loud environments
- Schedule hearing screenings if there are concerns about speech or listening
Early intervention can make a significant difference to speech, learning and social development.
6. Manage chronic health conditions
Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain infections can impact hearing.
Keeping your overall health well managed supports healthy blood flow to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
7. Schedule regular hearing check-ups
A hearing test should not only happen when there is a problem.
Adults should consider a baseline hearing test:
- From age 50 onwards
- Earlier if exposed to occupational noise
- If there is a family history of hearing loss
- If experiencing tinnitus or communication difficulties
A diagnostic hearing assessment provides clarity and peace of mind.
Noise Level Reference Table
Sound Source |
Approximate Decibel Level |
Safe Exposure Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whisper | 30 dB | Safe |
| Normal conversation | 60 dB | Safe |
| Busy traffic | 85 dB | Up to 8 hours |
| Hairdryer | 90 dB | About 2 hours |
| Concert or nightclub | 100 to 110 dB | Less than 15 minutes (use earplugs and take breaks) |
| Siren | 120 dB | Immediate risk |
Take Action to Protect Your Hearing
Hearing connects you to conversations, loved ones and the world around you. Protecting it requires awareness and small, consistent daily choices.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing changes in hearing, difficulty understanding speech or persistent ringing in the ears, now is the right time to act.
Book a diagnostic hearing assessment at Candice van Heerden Audiology in Bedfordview or Benoni.
Contact CVH Audiology on 011 615 3047 or email candice@cvhaudiology.co.za to schedule your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can hearing loss be reversed?
Most types of permanent hearing loss cannot be reversed. However, early diagnosis allows for effective management with hearing technology and communication strategies.
2. Is ringing in the ears serious?
Tinnitus can be an early warning sign of hearing damage. A full diagnostic hearing assessment can help determine the cause.
3. How long does a hearing test take?
A comprehensive diagnostic assessment typically takes about 60 minutes and is completely painless.