How many of us take hearing for granted is evident by an entire generation wearing ear pods and ear phones continually risking deafness. In this blog co-authored with ear specialist Dr Kavita Choudhari, MS (ENT), we discuss best practices to protect our hearing.

The inside of our ear is an amazing marvel of biology and physics coming together to enable us hear. The most important part of the ear are the highly sensitive hair cells which we will reference in this blog. When we wear ear pods, head phones, in-ear pieces we succeed in continually bombarding these hair cells. Such prolonged bombarding  can cause damage to the sensitive hair cells leading to hearing loss and possible permanent deafness.

We have used the term “handsfree” to include devices such as wireless headsets, wireless headphones and ear pods, in-ear pieces and blue tooth devices.

Here are some best practices to protect our hearing –

• Avoid holding your cell phone to the ear during calls. Cell phones emit Electro Magnetic Radiation that can lead to health problems.  While taking calls it is recommended to use the speaker mode of the cell phone (if possible). The most desirable to least desirable modes for taking calls are:  Speaker mode > wired handsfree > wireless handsfree > Bluetooth devices > holding cell phone to ear. The adverse impact due to radiation is magnified when taking calls in a moving car, bus etc, hence taking calls while in motion should be avoided.

• If you must use handsfree devices keep the volume low and use  them on a need basis. Listening to music/ podcast on the go is hep but it can lead to hearing problems if the volume is not kept low. There is a 60/60 rule which says never increase the volume on your device beyond 60%, and take 5 minute breaks from listening every 60 minute

• Avoid taking calls or listening to music with handsfree devices in a noisy place. Before you realize you will have amped up the volume and may seriously damage the hair cells leading to hearing loss. Multiple such impacts can even lead to permanent deafness.

• As far as possible minimise your exposure to loud music or noise such as loud speakers, Diwali crackers, dhol-tasha etc. Anything beyond 85 dB (decibels) can cause damage to hearing and it is advisable to wear hearing protection in such situations. There are free mobile apps that tell us the current decibel level. (I use an app called Decibel X) Exposure to higher decibels can lead to temporary deafness lasting up to days, or even permanent deafness. In fact a single loud impact has been reported to cause permanent deafness, and even death in extreme cases when the person had cardiac problems.

• If you know you will walk into a place with loud sound/ noise it is advisable to use hearing protection – even simple foam ear plugs will do. Foam ear plugs have to be used correctly (many of us get this wrong) else they will not serve the purpose. You may want to watch this video on You Tube to know how to wear foam ear plugs.

• When you cannot avoid holding the cell phone to the ear, switch ears consciously so that one ear does not take all the load.

• You may choose to use handsfree alternatives such as conduction ear phones, air tube earphones etc which are proven to be less harmful than other handsfree devices.

• Never use ear-cleaning buds. You may inadvertently damage the delicate structures inside your ear.

By adopting these best practices, we can significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss and enjoy a lifetime of clear and healthy hearing. Remember, prevention is key! After all, what good will be those years without (h)ears.

Cheers!