Many people could be putting their hearing at risk without even knowing it, just by doing the same things they do every day.
From vacuuming the living room to listening to music on a morning commute, common habits are being flagged by sound experts as potential sources of long-term hearing loss. Although the effects are often gradual, the damage can build up over time.
Experts from DECIBEL warn that once hearing is damaged, it doesn’t tend to come back. The Royal National Institute for Deaf People estimates that nearly 18 million people in Britain live with some level of hearing loss, much of it preventable.
Vacuum cleaners tend to hover between 70 and 85 decibels. While that might seem harmless, cleaning for long stretches without ear protection can still do harm. Standing further back from the machine, or limiting usage time, can help ease the load on your ears.
Blenders are even louder. Some can briefly reach 100 decibels, the sound level of a motorcycle, and though they’re only used in short bursts, regular exposure can take its toll. Experts advise stepping back from the counter or wearing basic earplugs when using one repeatedly.
To reduce the risk, it’s wise to take breaks, avoid working in confined spaces, and wear proper ear protection, not just the foam plugs, but over-the-ear defenders if possible.
There’s also evidence that overexposure to loud music can affect the way nerves transmit those signals, making it harder to understand speech even when no damage appears on a hearing test.
To reduce the harm, listeners are encouraged to use noise-cancelling headphones, take five-minute breaks every hour, and keep volume settings below 60 percent. Many phones give alerts when the sound level climbs too high, it’s worth paying attention to those warnings.
At concerts or clubs, the same rules apply. Earplugs designed for music fans don’t block out the experience, but they do take the edge off. It also helps to stay away from the speakers and step outside for fresh air now and again.
The solution is simple, keep windows shut when driving fast or in heavy traffic, and avoid drowning out the road noise with even louder music. For those on motorbikes or bicycles, helmets with built-in sound protection are a smart investment.
Ears usually clean themselves, so there’s no need to dig deep. Putting anything too far inside can push wax further in or cause damage, so it’s best to be gentle and stick to cleaning only the outer part.
Nature, too, offers a quieter rhythm — one that reminds us that not every moment needs to be filled with noise. Learning to listen more carefully, and more gently, could be the best habit of all.
Image: DIW-Aigen
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From vacuuming the living room to listening to music on a morning commute, common habits are being flagged by sound experts as potential sources of long-term hearing loss. Although the effects are often gradual, the damage can build up over time.
Experts from DECIBEL warn that once hearing is damaged, it doesn’t tend to come back. The Royal National Institute for Deaf People estimates that nearly 18 million people in Britain live with some level of hearing loss, much of it preventable.
Hairdryers and Hoovers
Some of the biggest culprits can be found in almost every home. Hairdryers, often held close to the ear, can hit between 80 and 90 decibels. That’s not far off the noise level of city traffic, and if used daily, it adds up. One suggestion is to reduce how often you wash your hair, or to take breaks when drying, especially if your model doesn’t come with any noise-reducing features.Vacuum cleaners tend to hover between 70 and 85 decibels. While that might seem harmless, cleaning for long stretches without ear protection can still do harm. Standing further back from the machine, or limiting usage time, can help ease the load on your ears.
Blenders are even louder. Some can briefly reach 100 decibels, the sound level of a motorcycle, and though they’re only used in short bursts, regular exposure can take its toll. Experts advise stepping back from the counter or wearing basic earplugs when using one repeatedly.
Tools That Talk Back
Out in the shed or garden, the noise doesn’t let up. Petrol lawnmowers and electric saws are both known for their roar. In fact, some power tools can go well past 100 decibels. Just 15 minutes of use may be enough to start damaging the tiny hairs inside the inner ear that are vital for hearing.To reduce the risk, it’s wise to take breaks, avoid working in confined spaces, and wear proper ear protection, not just the foam plugs, but over-the-ear defenders if possible.
Turning It Up Too Loud
Music is often seen as a comfort, but turning the volume up to block out the outside world can backfire. Using headphones at high volumes, especially in noisy environments like trains or gyms, increases the risk of hearing loss. The sound waves are delivered straight into the ear canal, and when the volume exceeds safe levels, they can damage the delicate hair cells that send sound signals to the brain.There’s also evidence that overexposure to loud music can affect the way nerves transmit those signals, making it harder to understand speech even when no damage appears on a hearing test.
To reduce the harm, listeners are encouraged to use noise-cancelling headphones, take five-minute breaks every hour, and keep volume settings below 60 percent. Many phones give alerts when the sound level climbs too high, it’s worth paying attention to those warnings.
At concerts or clubs, the same rules apply. Earplugs designed for music fans don’t block out the experience, but they do take the edge off. It also helps to stay away from the speakers and step outside for fresh air now and again.
On the Road
Another source of noise that often gets overlooked is driving at speed with the windows down. The wind, tyre noise and engine rumble can easily push sound levels beyond 85 decibels, especially on high ways and motorways. Over long journeys, that exposure builds up.The solution is simple, keep windows shut when driving fast or in heavy traffic, and avoid drowning out the road noise with even louder music. For those on motorbikes or bicycles, helmets with built-in sound protection are a smart investment.
A Word on Cotton Buds
While not a noise issue, the use of cotton buds is another habit that can affect hearing. Many people still clean their ears this way, but it often does more harm than good. Pushing wax deeper inside can cause blockages, while scraping the sensitive skin may lead to infections or even a perforated eardrum.Ears usually clean themselves, so there’s no need to dig deep. Putting anything too far inside can push wax further in or cause damage, so it’s best to be gentle and stick to cleaning only the outer part.
Small Changes, Big Difference
Protecting your hearing doesn’t mean avoiding all noise, just being smarter about how much and how often you're exposed to it. Simple steps like turning the volume down, stepping away from noisy appliances, or wearing proper protection can make a lasting difference.Nature, too, offers a quieter rhythm — one that reminds us that not every moment needs to be filled with noise. Learning to listen more carefully, and more gently, could be the best habit of all.
Read next: Meta’s AI App Shows a Side of the Internet That Few Asked to See
