Many of us take our hearing for granted, but the health care professionals who study hearing loss and related disorders — properly known as audiologists — are mindful of the seemingly harmless habits that can do serious damage. And they make the effort to avoid these behaviors.
“Taking precautions is about preserving hearing health for the long term,” Jenn Schumacher, an audiologist at ReSound, told HuffPost. “As someone who sees the impact of hearing loss firsthand, I’d never take chances with my ears or anyone else’s.”
To help people reduce risk, HuffPost asked Schumacher and other audiologists to share the things they never do in the interest of their hearing and ear health.
They wouldn’t go to a concert or other loud environment without hearing protection.
“I would never expose myself to hazardous noise without proper hearing protection,” Schumacher said. “Hearing loss is the third most common health problem among adults in the U.S., and much of it is preventable. Many people mistakenly believe that hearing loss is just a normal part of aging, but that’s not true.”
She explained that prolonged exposure to sounds of 85 decibels can gradually damage your hearing and cause tinnitus, a condition characterized by unexplained ringing or other sounds in the ear. This kind of noise exposure can come from a variety of sources: concerts, firearms, motorcycles, construction equipment, lawnmowers, leaf blowers, etc.
“The tricky part is that hearing loss from noise exposure doesn’t happen immediately, but once it does, it’s permanent,” Schumacher said. “That’s why I always make sure to protect my hearing, either by turning down the volume or using earplugs when I’m in noisy environments, like concerts or fireworks displays.”
Exposing yourself to excessive noise can cause temporary symptoms as well as permanent damage, but appropriate ear protection is very effective in reducing noise-induced hearing loss.
“Foam plugs, custom-fitted earplugs, earmuffs, or electronic earplugs designed for specific activities significantly reduce this risk,” said Patricia Gaffney, the president of the American Academy of Audiology. “When choosing ear protection, look for a higher noise reduction rating, or NRR, for optimal effectiveness.”
They wouldn’t ignore ear pain or sudden drops in hearing.
“I would never ignore ear pain or a sudden drop in my hearing ― which may be a sign of an infection of the outer, middle or inner ear,” said Bria Collins, the associate director of audiology practices at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “The organs within our ears are so small that not getting medical attention fast could lead to complications or permanent hearing loss.”
Collins explained that the middle ear is meant to be an air-filled space, but when there is an infection, the space fills with fluid and can cause pain and hearing loss.
“The proximity of our ears to our brain is quite close, therefore I would never let any sudden change to my ears linger before I seek medical attention, preferably by an ENT physician,” she said.
If you experience ear pain, sudden shifts in hearing, dizziness or persistent tinnitus, keep in mind that prompt medical attention can prevent further damage. Gaffney warned that delayed treatment reduces the effectiveness of interventions.
“While these symptoms could result from minor issues such as earwax, they may also signify more severe conditions that require immediate intervention,” she said. “Early treatment, including medications like steroids, increases the likelihood of recovery.”
They wouldn’t use an ear candle.
“As an audiologist, I would never use an item advertised to clean my ears that requires being lit on fire as part of the process,” Collins said.
Multiple patients have asked her over the years if ear candles help with earwax buildup, but she never recommends this option.
“There is no evidence proving that ear candling is effective, and the advertising promises made by some of these products are not backed by science,” Collins said. “There are far better options for managing earwax buildup, such as the use of earwax-softening drops or hydrogen peroxide drops, to name a few.”
She added that the available earwax removal options vary based on the type of earwax, which can be hard, dry and flaky or soft, wet and sticky. Another factor to consider is how much is present in the ears: Does the wax fully block the ear, or is there a small amount built up on the ear canal walls?
They wouldn’t clean their ears with Q-tips.
“I would never use Q-tips to clean my ears,” Schumacher said. “Our ear canals are self-cleaning, and earwax is actually beneficial ― it protects against infection and helps remove debris.”
Experts advise against inserting things like Q-tips into the ear canal because it can disrupt the natural process, push wax deeper and even cause damage.
“The large head of a Q-tip typically compacts earwax, pushing it deeper into the canal, which can lead to blockages,” Gaffney said. “Additionally, improper use carries the risk of damaging or perforating the eardrum. There have been cases where a slip or bump during use has caused severe injury, including bleeding and hearing loss.”
So if you experience discomfort or excess wax buildup, you should probably talk to a medical professional rather than attempt to clear it out yourself.
LaylaBird via Getty Images
They wouldn’t insert any other objects into their ears.
Gaffney would never insert small objects into her ears for itching or cleaning.
“Many patients report using inappropriate objects such as pen caps, matchsticks, bobby pins, keys or paper clips to clean or scratch their ears,” she said. “These actions are highly discouraged as they can damage the delicate structures of the ear.”
Instead, Gaffney said that “routine exposure to water during activities like showering or swimming can help, and a tissue can be used to gently wipe the outer ear and canal opening.”
“Over-cleaning can lead to itching and irritation. Over-the-counter wax removal products are available, but if concerns about wax buildup or itching persist, it is advisable to consult a doctor or audiologist,” she added.
They wouldn’t delay getting hearing aids.
“I would never wait to seek help if I noticed hearing difficulties,” Schumacher said. “It’s common for people to wait over 10 years from when they first notice problems before consulting a professional, which only makes the situation harder to address later.”
She added that the longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes for your ears and brain to adjust to hearing aids.
“Hearing loss is gradual and often sneaks up on people, so the earlier you get help, the better your outcome will be,” Schumacher said.
They wouldn’t purchase a hearing loss treatment that seems too good to be true.
“I would never buy a product sold at a store or through a website that seems too good to be true regarding hearing loss or tinnitus treatment,” Collins said.
She noted that there are a lot of bad actors out there peddling products with misleading advertising, like claims that a particular device could restore one’s natural hearing or a pill could eliminate ringing in the ears.
“Although there are treatment options that help many people, these options are not one-size-fits-all,” Collins said. “Additionally, there are no cures for hearing loss or tinnitus, so if I see a magic pill or liquid being sold to cure any of my hearing problems, I know not to fall for these false gimmicks.”
They wouldn’t wear hearing aids inconsistently.
“Hearing aids are designed to amplify sound to compensate for hearing loss and must be worn regularly to maximize their benefit,” Gaffney said. “Consistent use ensures the brain receives the necessary auditory stimulation, helping to maintain its ‘use it or lose it’ plasticity.”
She added that untreated hearing loss has been linked to loneliness and cognitive decline.
“By improving communication and environmental awareness, hearing aids enhance quality of life and personal safety,” Gaffney said.