How to Prevent Damage to Your Hearing

Recommendations from Hearing Aids Specialists to Help Avoid Hearing Damage

It is generally accepted that gradual hearing loss is directly related to the aging process; for many people, there is little need to support this statement with scientific evidence as they have undoubtedly observed this trend with their parents and grandparents, if not in their personal lives.

Yes, for a significant segment of the population, some degree of hearing loss will indeed be unavoidable as they age; they might even resign themselves to the fact that, through no choice of their own, they will one day require the services of a hearing aids specialist.

But what people may not realize is that exposure to excessive noise is actually the prime cause of hearing loss.  Furthermore, it does not have to be repeated exposure; a single instance might be sufficient to cause permanent hearing damage.

However, unlike their powerlessness to slow or stop the aging process, and thus averting the possibility of gradual hearing loss, there are several steps that people can take to safeguard themselves against hearing damage from excessive noise.  With this in mind, the hearing solutions specialists from the Bravo Hearing Centre in Etobicoke present the following recommendations:

• Lower the volume of TV programs, music players, and video games
• Listen to car radios/stereo systems at comfortable and safe volumes
• Wear hearing protection if sound levels at work exceed 85-90 decibels
• Use specially-designed earplugs or noise filters in nightclubs/at concerts
• Sit or stand at a distance from any loudspeakers (even if using earplugs)
• Wear noise-cancelling headphones when operating loud equipment or tools

While one-time or repeated exposure to extreme or blaring noise is the primary cause of irreparable hearing loss, the hearing specialists from the Bravo Hearing Centre have also observed hearing damage resulting from the intentional or accidental insertion of foreign objects into the ears; these items commonly include:

• Pen caps
• Toothpicks
• Cotton swabs
• Earring backs
• Earphone buds

Therefore, while placing an emphasis on safeguarding against hearing damage from loud or excessive noise, it is also important to be attentive to the inherent dangers of bringing small foreign objects into close proximity or direct contact with the ears.

A Full Range of Hearing Solutions for Hearing Loss Prevention and Treatment

While hearing loss resulting from excessive noise or aging is progressive and irreversible, there are solutions available to help restore some quality of life for those so affected. 

The hearing specialists from Bravo Hearing Centre in Etobicoke recognize the frustrations that can be experienced by people with hearing impairment, as well as the importance of regaining a measure of their pre-hearing loss lifestyle.  To that end, these professionals are committed to providing the appropriate services and support based on the needs of each patient; these services can include:

• Hearing tests
• Sales of hearing aids
• Hearing aid evaluations
• Aural rehabilitation programs
• Patient and family member counselling

In addition to these hearing-related services, the specialists at Bravo Hearing Centre can recommend or provide suitable devices for individuals who require hearing protection for their work or leisure activities.

For more information on the full scope of hearing services and solutions offered by the specialists at Bravo Hearing Centre, see our hearing services page.

To help protect against noise-related hearing damage or to address concerns about the possibility of existing hearing impairment, call the hearing solutions specialists at Bravo Hearing Centre today at 416-207-9711 or contact us to request a hearing test and/or consultation at your earliest convenience.