Hearing Health
Learn how to protect your hearing and recognize hearing problems
If you have sudden hearing loss or ear pain, see a doctor right away. This information is for learning only.
Why is Hearing Important?
Good hearing helps you communicate with others, stay safe, and enjoy life. Hearing loss can happen gradually or suddenly, and it affects people of all ages. Taking care of your ears can help prevent hearing problems.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss
- Loud noises over time (noise-induced hearing loss)
- Aging (presbycusis)
- Ear infections
- Earwax buildup
- Certain medications
- Genetics or birth defects
Protecting Your Hearing
Avoid Loud Noises
Protect your ears from damage
- • Keep volume at 60% or lower on devices
- • Take breaks from loud environments
- • Move away from loud sounds when possible
- • Use the 60/60 rule: 60% volume for 60 minutes max
Use Ear Protection
Wear protection in noisy places
- • Earplugs at concerts or loud events
- • Noise-canceling headphones
- • Ear protection when using power tools
- • Custom earplugs for musicians
Keep Ears Clean
Safe ear cleaning practices
- • Don't use cotton swabs inside ears
- • Let ears clean themselves naturally
- • See a doctor for earwax removal
- • Dry ears gently after swimming
Signs of Hearing Problems
You Might Have Hearing Loss If You:
- • Often ask people to repeat themselves
- • Turn up the TV or radio volume
- • Have trouble hearing in noisy places
- • Feel like people are mumbling
- • Have difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
- • Avoid social situations because of hearing
See a Doctor Right Away If You Have:
- • Sudden hearing loss
- • Severe ear pain
- • Discharge from your ear
- • Ringing in ears that won't stop
- • Dizziness with hearing problems
- • Hearing loss after an injury
Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive Hearing Loss
Problem in outer or middle ear
Causes: Earwax, ear infections, fluid in ear, damaged eardrum
Treatment: Often treatable with medicine or surgery
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Problem in inner ear or hearing nerve
Causes: Aging, loud noise, genetics, certain medications
Treatment: Usually permanent; hearing aids can help
Mixed Hearing Loss
Combination of both types
Causes: Multiple factors affecting different parts of the ear
Treatment: May need combination of treatments