How to Protect Hearing as You Age: A Guide to Preserving Auditory Health

Oct 17, 2025 4 min read •

Aging Health Hearing

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about one in three people in the U.S. between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. While some age-related hearing decline is inevitable, there are proactive steps you can take to protect hearing as you age and mitigate potential damage. This guide offers practical advice on managing noise, using protective equipment, and maintaining overall health to support your auditory system for years to come.

Quick Summary

The article details preventative measures for preserving auditory health as one gets older. Key strategies include protecting ears from excessive noise, managing underlying health conditions like diabetes, and adopting lifestyle changes to support hearing. It also compares various hearing protection devices and emphasizes regular professional hearing screenings to catch problems early.

Key Points

Limit Loud Noise Exposure: Consistently avoid sounds over 85 decibels, which can cause permanent damage to your hearing over time.
Use Appropriate Hearing Protection: Wear earplugs or earmuffs during noisy activities like concerts, yard work, or using power tools to reduce noise exposure.
Manage Chronic Health Conditions: Control conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, as they can negatively impact inner ear health.
Avoid Harmful Habits: Refrain from smoking, which damages the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, and be aware of ototoxic medications.
Get Regular Hearing Screenings: Since hearing loss is often gradual, regular check-ups with an audiologist are crucial for early detection and intervention.
Turn Down Audio Device Volume: When using headphones or earbuds, keep the volume below 60 percent of the maximum and take frequent listening breaks.
Clean Ears Safely: Avoid using cotton swabs or other objects inside the ear canal, which can cause impaction and other issues.
Stay Socially and Mentally Active: Treating hearing loss with hearing aids can help preserve cognitive function and reduce social isolation.

Understanding Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is a gradual decline in hearing that affects a significant portion of the population as they get older. It typically affects both ears equally and first impacts the ability to hear high-pitched sounds. Several factors contribute to presbycusis, including changes in the inner ear and nerve pathways, long-term noise exposure, and various health conditions. Unlike temporary hearing loss from an infection, presbycusis is not reversible, making proactive prevention crucial for maintaining auditory health.

Reduce Exposure to Loud Noises

Protecting your ears from excessive noise is one of the most effective strategies for preventing noise-induced hearing loss, which can exacerbate age-related decline. A sound level above 85 decibels (dBA) can cause permanent damage over time. To put this in perspective, a normal conversation is around 60–70 dBA, while a lawnmower is over 85 dBA.

Practical Tips for Noise Reduction

Turn down the volume: When listening to music through headphones, keep the volume at 50 to 60 percent of the maximum. Take breaks from personal audio devices at least once an hour.
Create quiet zones: Reduce background noise in your home by turning off the television when not watching and choosing quiet appliances.
Select quiet settings: When eating at a restaurant, ask for a table away from the kitchen or music to minimize background noise that can make it difficult to hear.
Know your environment: Use a smartphone app to measure decibel levels in your surroundings. If the noise is above 85 dBA, take action to protect your hearing.

Choose the Right Hearing Protection

In situations where loud noise is unavoidable, such as concerts, sporting events, or while using power tools, wearing proper hearing protection is essential. The right type of protection depends on the environment and personal comfort.

Comparison of Common Hearing Protection Types


Feature	Foam Earplugs	Custom-Molded Earplugs	Earmuffs	High-Fidelity Earplugs
Noise Reduction	Good, up to 31 dB NRR	Excellent, 25-27 dB NRR	Excellent, up to 29 dB NRR	Moderate (16-21 dB), preserves sound quality
Comfort	Highly malleable, disposable, may cause earwax build-up with prolonged use	Superior custom fit, comfortable for extended wear	Padded cushions, can be warm or bulky	Silicone tips, comfortable fit for frequent use
Best For	One-time or occasional use in moderately loud environments	Frequent use in loud environments, concerts, workshops	Extremely loud environments (construction, shooting ranges)	Musicians and concert-goers who need to hear sound clearly
Cost	Inexpensive	More expensive upfront, long-lasting and reusable	Moderate, durable for repeat use	Moderate, reusable for many events

Manage Health and Lifestyle Factors

Taking care of your overall health can have a significant impact on your auditory wellness. Conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease can affect circulation to the inner ear, potentially contributing to hearing loss.

A Healthy Hearing Lifestyle

Manage chronic conditions: Keep conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure in check through proper diet, exercise, and medication as directed by your doctor.
Avoid smoking: Chemicals like nicotine can damage the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear. Secondhand smoke is also a risk factor for hearing loss.
Stay active: Regular exercise supports good circulation throughout the body, including the inner ear.
Watch for ototoxic medications: Certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and high doses of aspirin, can be harmful to hearing. Discuss potential side effects with your doctor.

Seek Professional Care and Screenings

Regular hearing screenings are essential for detecting problems early, as age-related hearing loss often progresses slowly. Early detection and intervention, such as with hearing aids, can slow the progression of hearing loss and are linked to a decreased risk of cognitive decline.

When to See a Professional

If you notice a sudden loss of hearing, see a doctor immediately, as this is a medical emergency.
If you find yourself frequently asking others to repeat themselves, increasing the TV volume excessively, or struggling to hear in noisy settings, it may be time for a hearing test.
An audiologist can provide a comprehensive evaluation and help you find the right assistive listening devices or hearing aids for your needs.

Conclusion: A Proactive Approach to Lifelong Hearing

Protecting your hearing as you age is a continuous process that involves a combination of protective measures, healthy habits, and regular check-ups. By actively reducing noise exposure, utilizing appropriate hearing protection, and managing your overall health, you can significantly mitigate the risk of hearing loss and enjoy better auditory health for many years to come. Remember that hearing problems can affect communication and cognitive function, so being proactive is not just about your ears—it's about your overall well-being. For additional guidance and resources, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders offers a wealth of information on hearing health.

Frequently Asked Questions

While some hearing decline is a natural part of aging (presbycusis), you can take steps to slow its progression and prevent further damage. Avoiding loud noises and managing health conditions are key preventative measures.

Any sound below 70 dBA is considered safe. Exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA, such as a lawnmower or loud concert, can cause permanent hearing damage over time.

Early signs often include difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds, asking people to repeat themselves frequently, and finding it hard to follow conversations in noisy environments.

Custom-molded earplugs offer a superior, more comfortable fit and provide a higher degree of noise reduction (25-27 dBA) than standard foam earplugs (up to 31 dB NRR). They are also a better long-term investment for frequent use.

Diabetes and other vascular diseases can damage the blood vessels of the inner ear. By effectively managing these conditions, you can protect the delicate auditory system and help prevent associated hearing loss.

Yes, a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet supports good circulation, which benefits your overall hearing health. Additionally, avoiding smoking is crucial, as nicotine damages inner ear cells.

Regular hearing screenings are recommended, especially if you have been exposed to high noise levels or notice changes in your hearing. Annual exams can help identify problems early and prevent more serious complications.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.