Standing shoulder to shoulder with speakers at NYE parties, spending hours around loud music, and shouting to be heard may feel like part of party-season celebrations, but it can cause lasting damage to your hearing.
Protecting your hearing may not be at the top of your 2026 resolutions, but it’s more important than you might realise.
According to one expert, being more mindful of how we protect our ears, not just at big events but in daily life, can make a big difference over time.
Dr. Jenn Schumacher, an audiologist at ReSound, explains: “It is easy to go through life without considering how certain things affect your hearing.
“However, acquired hearing loss can lead to a variety of challenges, especially if left untreated.”
Dr. Schumacher has listed some common everyday activities that could contribute to hearing loss.
1. Commuting in Noisy Environments
Do you travel regularly on noisy highways or busy city streets filled with honking horns and revving engines? Dr. Schumacher warns that these environments can impact hearing and ear health.
“The average car horn is around 107-109 decibels. Since prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss, it’s important to consider your hearing during commutes.
“Being alert to road noises is crucial for safety, so it is illegal in many states to wear earplugs while driving.
“To mitigate risks, try taking less hectic routes, even if they add time to your journey. While it may not be the fastest option, it helps reduce noise exposure and stress, benefiting your hearing and overall well-being.”
2. Frequently Using a Hairdryer
Hairdryers are undoubtedly convenient, but they pose risks to hearing health over time.
“Hairdryers typically produce noise levels between 80 and 90 decibels. Using one every day for extended periods can gradually harm your hearing.
“To reduce these risks, minimize the use of hairdryers and allow your hair to air dry when possible.
“If you need to use a hairdryer, wear ear defenders like earplugs to protect your ears from the noise. These also shield your ears from exposure to sprays like heat protectants and hairsprays, which can enter the ear canal.
“Alternatively, opt for a low-noise styler or dryer, such as the Dyson Airwrap.”
3. Using Fireworks
Fireworks are a key part of celebrations like New Year’s Eve, but they can be dangerously loud.
“Fireworks typically produce 150-175 decibels at close range, which can lead to noise-induced hearing loss.
“To enjoy fireworks safely, wear earplugs or ear defenders during displays.
“If hosting your own show, consider using quieter fireworks. These are labelled as ‘quiet’ and produce significantly less sound than the standard variety.
“Even when using quieter options, ear protection and maintaining a safe distance are crucial to protecting your hearing.”
4. Listening to Music Through Headphones
Listening to music is part of many people’s daily routine, but improper use of headphones can harm hearing.
“When you’re engrossed in a song or experiencing a stressful day, it’s tempting to increase your headphone volume. If this is done too frequently or at high levels, it can cause permanent hearing damage.
“Many smartphones have safety features that notify you if your volume is too high. To activate these features, check your device’s settings under the sound or health sections.
“Aim to follow the 60/60 rule: listen at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time.”
5. Regularly Using Blenders or Food Processors
Food blenders and processors, such as Nutribullets, are convenient kitchen appliances but can produce harmful noise levels.
“Similar to hairdryers, these appliances vary in their noise output, with some reaching 80-90 decibels or higher.
“If you’re in the market for one, research quieter models by reading product descriptions and reviews. Or, if you already own a loud processor, always use earplugs during operation.
“For professionals who work in environments requiring frequent use, such as chefs, employers should provide appropriate ear protection as part of workplace safety protocols.”
6. Cleaning Ears with Q-Tips
Q-tips are widely used for ear cleaning, but according to experts, they can do more harm than good.
“Instead of removing earwax, Q-tips often push it further into the ear canal, causing blockages and potential damage.
“For those struggling with excess wax, seek professional help. Healthcare providers can safely remove wax during a procedure that may even improve hearing clarity.
“Wax build-up can muffle sounds, so professional cleaning is beneficial for your hearing health.”
7. Ignoring Ear Infections
Winter weather brings an increased risk of respiratory infections, which can lead to ear infections.
“Cold weather and respiratory viruses such as flu and COVID-19 raise the risk of ear infections.
“Untreated ear infections can spread to nearby tissues and, in rare cases, to the skull, causing conditions like meningitis. Another potential complication is labyrinthitis, an inner ear infection that can cause tinnitus, nausea, and hearing loss.
“If you experience symptoms such as ear pain, discharge, or hearing changes, consult a medical professional promptly. Following their advice can prevent serious complications and protect your hearing.”
Protecting Your Hearing
To protect your hearing, avoid loud noise, use earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments (like concerts, work, or with power tools), keep personal device volume low (60% max for 60 mins), take ear breaks, and limit exposure to sounds over 85 dB, as damaged inner ear hairs can’t be fixed.
In Loud Environments
- Limit Exposure: Step away from the source or leave noisy places.
- Wear Protection: Use earplugs (foam, custom-molded) or earmuffs at concerts, construction sites, or when using loud equipment like lawnmowers.
- Check Volume: If you have to raise your voice to be heard over background noise, it’s too loud.
With Personal Devices (Headphones/Earbuds)
- Keep Volume Down: Follow the 60/60 rule: 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
- Use Custom Molds: Custom ear molds block outside noise, letting you listen at lower, safer volumes.
General Habits
- Give Ears a Rest: Take 5-15-minute breaks from noise for every hour of exposure.
- Be Mindful: Be aware of everyday loud sounds like hair dryers, vacuums, or pounding nails.
- Monitor Sound: Use a sound level meter app on your phone to check decibel levels.
- Stay Healthy: Stay hydrated and consider diet/exercise for overall ear health.
Foods that Help Protect Hearing
To protect your hearing, eat foods rich in omega-3s (fatty fish, walnuts, flax), antioxidants (blueberries, dark leafy greens, citrus), potassium (bananas, potatoes), magnesium (dark chocolate, spinach, bananas), zinc (oysters, beef, seeds), and B vitamins (lean meats, eggs, leafy greens) to support circulation, reduce inflammation, and protect inner ear cells from damage and age-related decline, according to the AARP.
Key Nutrients & Foods for Hearing Health
- Omega-3s: Fatty fish (salmon, sardines), walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds.
- Antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, E): Blueberries, leafy greens (spinach, kale), citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit), carrots, nuts.
- Magnesium: Bananas, potatoes, spinach, dark chocolate, broccoli, artichokes.
- Zinc: Oysters, beef, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, beans.
- Folic Acid (Folate): Leafy greens (spinach, romaine), asparagus, beans, eggs, nuts.
- Potassium: Bananas, potatoes, tomatoes.
- Vitamin B12: Lean meats, dairy, eggs, fish.
Why They Help
- Reduce Inflammation: Omega-3s and antioxidants combat inflammation that can harm the inner ear.
- Improve Circulation: Nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins help maintain healthy blood flow to the ears.
- Protect Hair Cells: Antioxidants and magnesium shield delicate inner ear hair cells from damage, especially from noise.
- Support Nerve Function: B vitamins are crucial for nerve health and sound signal transmission.
While no food guarantees prevention, incorporating these nutrient-rich options into a balanced diet supports overall health and can lower the risk of age-related hearing loss.
Take Away
Protecting your hearing is important primarily because it prevents permanent, irreversible damage that significantly impacts your overall health, communication abilities, and quality of life. By taking simple steps like eating a healthy diet, wearing earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments, and keeping the volume low on personal devices, you can safeguard your hearing for a lifetime.
This article was written at the WHN News Desk in collaboration with Erica Botchway on behalf of ReSound, making a world full of noise beautiful, enhancing your natural hearing intuition and ability to focus on what matters.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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