Lifestyles That May Cause Hearing Loss

A lifestyle that may cause hearing loss

Don’t underestimate the risk of permanent damage by working in noisy environments or participating in noisy recreational hobbies.

• Understanding the risks associated with everyday activities and lifestyle choices is crucial in preventing permanent hearing damage. For example, driving a car with open windows or using a convertible can expose you to noise levels around 85 decibels from the engine and an additional 85 from wind noise, which can cumulatively damage hearing over time.

  Smoking is another lifestyle factor detrimental to hearing health, as nicotine and cadmium from cigarettes constrict blood vessels, impairing the oxygen supply necessary for the inner ear’s hair cells to function properly, leading to potential hearing loss.

  Traveling by plane while ill can also be risky for your ears. Changes in cabin pressure can intensify ear pain if you’re unable to equalize ear pressure properly due to a sinus or throat infection, increasing the risk of hearing damage.

  Moreover, obesity has been linked to an increased risk of hearing loss, especially in women. Research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital indicates that women with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 34 face a 17% higher risk of developing hearing loss than those with a BMI below 25.

  Recreational activities like scuba diving also pose a threat due to the intense pressure changes that can harm the inner ear structures, potentially causing temporary or permanent hearing impairment.

  Listening to loud music at concerts or gyms, where sound levels can reach up to 140 decibels at concerts and 93 at fitness centers, is another common risk. Regular exposure to music above 60% of a device’s maximum volume can progressively harm the inner ear’s hair cells, leading to hearing loss.

  It is vital to be aware of and manage these risks to maintain good hearing health over the long term.