Prevention

Hearing loss will likely affect most people as they go through the aging process, but that doesn't mean your relationships have to suffer. Some hearing loss is preventable, and most hearing loss is treatable. Try taking the following steps to prevent or slow further hearing loss, and raise your hand for better hearing:

• Avoid loud or prolonged exposure to noise.
• When you can't avoid noise, wear ear protection.
• If your ears produce excessive earwax, have your ears cleaned periodically by a health care professional. (Do not use cotton swabs, as you will lodge more earwax even deeper into the ear canal than the small amount of wax you will remove.)
• Avoid ototoxic drugs. If you're taking one already, talk with your doctor and see if there's a less-ototoxic alternative.
• Stay healthy and be mindful of risk factors, such as hypertension.