Caring for your hearing.

Our ears are made up of multiple structures which are vulnerable to damage from a variety of factors.

There are simple measures you can implement to help you be more mindful about hearing damage.

Hearing can be affected by certain health conditions, some medications/drugs, head injuries and most commonly by excessive noise. Statistics in Australia alone suggest that we have all experienced noise damage at some point in our lives. With the right knowledge and education, severe hearing impact can be reduced and avoided.

Prevention is key. Whether it’s at a live concert, at home or in the workplace, if there is a risk of excessive noise exposure, we strongly advise you to implement prevention strategies.

Caring for your ears

Ear wax is perfectly normal. Your ears have their own self cleaning mechanism. Do not try and clean your ears with cotton buds or other tools. If you feel there is a blockage or build up, please consult your health professional first.
You can reduce your chance of ear infections by avoiding swimming in dirty water and by treating upper respiratory tract infections so that they don’t spread to the ear.
Loud music

Always set the music at a moderate level, particularly through headphones, and avoid using music to drown out other noises. Sound levels at most concerts exceed “safe” levels given the length of time you’re exposed, so consider using earplugs or hearing protection. While standard earplugs work, custom ear plugs are a reusable option that can lower the volume whilst minimising the impact on ambient sound quality.
Noise in the workplace

If you work in a noisy and loud environment, hearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be readily available for you to use. Please consult your occupational health and safety officer for information in your workplace. Remember, it is both the responsibility of the employer and the employee to make it a safe working environment.
Chemicals, solvents and toxins

The risk of hearing damage also increases if you are exposed to certain solvents, toxins, chemicals and drugs. Always speak to your health professional about any potential risks.
Regular breaks

It’s not just about how loud the noise is but also how long you’re exposed to it. So, it is important to take regular breaks from any prolonged noise exposure.