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By Alyce Collins
Senior Reporter
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Whether you are commuting, working out in the gym or getting ready for the day, there are certain everyday habits that may be damaging your hearing without you even knowing.
While our hearing may be one of the earliest senses we develop before birth, it is also one that we often take for granted. Our ears allow us to take in the sounds of the world, including our favorite music or a child's first word, but they are also incredibly sensitive.
Indeed, an estimated 40 million American adults live with hearing loss as a result of noise exposure, according to the American Academy of Audiology. It can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, as many people are not aware that "hearing damage tends to be cumulative," Dr. Rachel Artsma, a senior audiologist at hear.com, told Newsweek.
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There are three main types of hearing loss: conductive (which involves the outer or middle ear), sensorineural (involving the inner ear) and mixed (which is both). Warning signs include muffled sounds, ringing in the ears, needing to turn the volume up and being bothered by background noise.
Staying clear of loud environments will help prevent hearing loss, but there are also several everyday habits that could cause long-term damage.
Using Earbuds at High Volume
From the subway to the grocery store, chances are, most people will be using earbuds or headphones. As useful as they are, Artsma says listening to loud music through earbuds is "one of the most common health concerns" she sees among patients.
"The challenge is not necessarily earbuds; it's that they're often used at volumes that are too high for too long," she said.
If you are consistently listening at a volume to the point where you cannot hear people around you, it is probably too loud. Artsma's recommendation is to follow the 60/60 rule: Keep volume at no more than 60 percent of its maximum, and limit listening sessions to about 60 minutes at a time.
"The biggest risk comes when people turn up their volume to overcome background noise on airplanes, trains or in busy spaces. Once the hair cells in the inner ear are damaged, they do not grow back, which is why prevention is so important," Artsma continued.
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Driving With Windows Down
Rolling down the window is especially tempting in the summer, but this could be a surprisingly harmful habit.
As Artsma explained, the wind can be particularly loud—especially on highways—and have a significant impact as the turbulence creates constant noise that can reach harmful levels.
"For someone who spends a lot of time driving, repeated exposure over months and years may contribute to hearing stress," she told Newsweek. "The longer the commute, the greater the potential impact. This is particularly relevant for people who already have multiple sources of noise exposure throughout their day."
It is important to remember that hearing health is a consequence of the "total noise load" you are exposed to, not just one specific activity or environment.
Using a Hairdryer Every Day
Hair drying is often a necessity, but it could in fact be part of the problem. While a hair dryer alone is not the most damaging appliance, Artsma explains that it contributes to the overall noise exposure.
"The issue is the little things add up. If you're using a hairdryer daily and also listening to loud music, attending concerts or working in a noisy environment, that cumulative exposure matters," she said.
People often underestimate the noise that can come from household appliances as they are so familiar, but they are not risk free. The harm posed is greater for hairstylists and salon professionals who are using the tools for extended periods throughout the day.
"It's a good reminder that not all hearing risks come from obviously loud events," Artsma added.
The good news is that some hearing loss can be reversed with treatment and changes to your routine. Take listening breaks, turn the volume down and maybe even embrace the everyday sounds you normally try to ignore.
"You may not notice a problem today, but years of loud listening can catch up with you," Artsma said.
If warning signs arise, such as ringing in the ears after a loud event, they should not be brushed off. This could be a sign that the auditory system has been "stressed by excessive noise exposure." If you find yourself constantly asking people to repeat something or to talk louder, these are not necessarily signs of aging or fatigue, and they may be worth addressing.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Charlotte Nisbet and Shakeema Edwards.
Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via health@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
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