Hearing Health 101: How to protect your ears at every age
Been saying 'Huh?' a bit more lately? It might just be the chaos of life, or it could be a sign that your hearing isn’t as sharp as it used to be. From noisy restaurants to music blasting through headphones, our ears do a lot of heavy lifting, yet hearing health often falls to the bottom of the list.
But hearing loss is far more common than people realise. By 2050, 1 in 10 people worldwide will be living with disabling hearing loss and it doesn’t just impact older adults.
The good news? Hearing loss is often preventable and catching it early can make a big difference. Studies show that a third of hearing loss in adults and almost half in children is preventable. As hearing specialist Melissa Chandler from Specsavers Audiology explains, “Most people don’t notice the early signs because it happens gradually. But the sooner we detect it; the sooner we can take action to stay connected to the world of sound around us.”
Let’s explore what affects your hearing, how to spot changes early and the simple habits that can help keep your ears healthy for life.
Related: How to stay healthy at every age
How hearing works (and why it’s more delicate than you think)
Your hearing relies on thousands of tiny hair cells in the inner ear. These cells convert sound waves into electrical signals that your brain understands. The catch? Once these hair cells are damaged, they don’t grow back, which is why protecting your hearing is so important.
Everyday noise can add up over time. Long commutes with loud music, working in busy or noisy environments, going to concerts, or even blasting the blender at home can all place strain on your hearing.
The early signs of hearing loss (that people often miss)
Our ears are tough, but they’re not invincible. Hearing loss often creeps in slowly, so it can be easy to miss. But the earlier you catch it, the easier it can be to get support, before it becomes harder to treat.
Common early signs include:
Asking people to repeat themselves
Thinking others are mumbling
Turning the TV up louder than usual
Struggling to follow conversations in noisy settings
Ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
Feeling exhausted after social events from straining to hear.
According to Melissa, “People often make adaptations without realising it. They avoid noisy places or joke about having ‘selective hearing’. These can be signs your ears need a check-up.”
If you’re noticing these signs, you can book an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional and get the support you need.
Why younger Australians need to think about hearing health too
We often associate hearing loss with ageing, but younger adults are facing new risks too. Earbuds and headphones can reach volumes similar to a lawnmower or motorbike – except we listen to them for hours, not minutes.
How to protect your hearing (without giving up music or social life)
Taking care of your hearing doesn’t mean you have to give up the things you love. It’s about making small, simple choices that allow you to continue enjoying music, socialising and having fun, all while protecting your ears for the long haul. Here are a few easy ways to keep your hearing healthy:
Wearing earplugs at concerts, clubs or live sporting events
Taking breaks from noisy places. Just a few minutes of quiet can help
Turning the volume down on headphones. If someone else can hear your music, it's too loud
Skipping cigarettes. Smoking can increase your risk of hearing loss (yep, really).
Getting your hearing checked early, If things sound muffled more than usual, book a test rather than waiting.
The emotional side of hearing loss
Hearing loss can be tough to navigate. It can impact confidence, social connection and even mental wellbeing. Many people start withdrawing socially without realising why. But early support can help improve quality of life. Hearing aids and listening devices today are smaller, smarter and far more comfortable than older versions and some can even connect to your phone or TV via Bluetooth.
“It’s not just about improving your hearing,” says Melissa, “It’s about staying connected to conversations, to loved ones and to your life.”
When should you book a hearing test?
You don’t have to wait for a problem to get your hearing checked. It’s just smart, everyday health care – like checking your eyes or teeth. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, you can help protect your hearing now and well into the future.
Time for a hearing check? Use nib’s First Choice network to find a provider near you and while you’re there, explore more every day health tips at The Check Up.
The information on this page is general information and should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Do not use the information found on this page as a substitute for professional health care advice. Any information you find on this page or on external sites which are linked to on this page should be verified with your professional healthcare provider.