Hearing is a vital sense that we rely on to experience the world around us. Unfortunately, many daily habits can damage your hearing without your knowledge. Here are 30 habits that can threaten your hearing health and what you can do to protect it.

1. Listening to Loud Music

Exposure to loud sound is one of the leading causes of hearing loss, and listening to loud music with your headphones or speakers can cause permanent damage to your hearing. Make sure to limit the volume and duration of your music-listening sessions.

2. Using Personal Sound Amplifiers

Personal sound amplifiers may seem like a good way to enhance your hearing, but overusing them can do more harm than good. These devices amplify all sounds, including harmful ones, and can lead to hearing damage with extended use.

3. Attending Loud Events

Concerts, sports games, and other loud social events can also damage your hearing. The high levels of noise can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, so make sure to wear earplugs or take breaks from the noise when possible.

4. Smoking Cigarettes

Smoking cigarettes can cause a lot of health problems, including hearing loss. People who smoke have a higher risk of developing hearing damage than non-smokers due to the chemicals in cigarettes that damage hearing cells.

5. Not Wearing Ear Protection

If you work in a loud environment, such as construction or manufacturing, make sure to wear ear protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs. Not wearing them can lead to hearing damage over time.

6. Using Cotton Swabs

Using cotton swabs to clean your ears can push the wax deeper into your ears, potentially causing damage to your eardrum. Instead, use a warm cloth to gently clean the outer ear.

7. Ignoring Ear Infections

Ear infections can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss if left untreated. If you experience symptoms such as ear pain, fluid discharge, or ringing in the ears, see a doctor as soon as possible.

8. Ignoring Headaches

Chronic headaches can be a sign of a hearing problem, as the inner ear is connected to the brain. If you experience frequent headaches with no apparent cause, get your hearing checked.

9. Taking Certain Medications

Some medications, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and aspirin, can cause hearing damage. Make sure to read the label and talk to your doctor about any potential side effects before taking any medication.

10. Using Hair Dryers

Hair dryers emit a high level of noise that can damage your hearing if used too often and too close to your ears. Try to keep the dryer at arm’s length and use it on a lower setting.

11. Using Q-Tips

Similar to cotton swabs, Q-tips can also push earwax deeper into your ear canal, leading to potential hearing damage. Avoid using Q-tips altogether and stick to other methods of ear hygiene.

12. Excessive Exercise

Excessive exercise can raise your blood pressure, which can be harmful to your hearing. Make sure to stay hydrated and avoid exercising in noisy environments.

13. Drinking Alcohol

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can cause temporary hearing loss as it affects your blood flow and can damage the inner ear. It’s best to limit alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether.

14. Not Getting Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep can cause stress, which can affect your hearing. Make sure to get enough sleep each night to keep your body and hearing healthy.

15. Not Managing Stress

Stress can cause tinnitus, a ringing in the ears that can lead to hearing loss. Try to manage stress with techniques such as meditation or therapy.

16. Using Adhesive Earplugs

Adhesive earplugs can cause wax buildup and damage to the ear canal if used too often. Use soft earplugs that fit comfortably in your ear instead.

17. Ignoring High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can cause damage to the inner ear and potentially lead to hearing loss. Make sure to monitor your blood pressure regularly and get medical help if you notice any unusual symptoms.

18. Using Earphones During Work

Using earphones during work can be dangerous if you work in a noisy environment. The earphones may not block out enough sound to protect your ears fully, so make sure to use ear protection instead.

19. Not Wearing a Helmet

If you ride motorcycles or bicycles, you should always wear a helmet to protect your head from injury, as head trauma can cause hearing loss in some cases.

20. Eating a Poor Diet

A poor diet can lead to various health problems, including hearing loss. Try to eat a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals to keep your body healthy.

21. Using Hair Dye

Hair dye contains harmful chemicals that can damage your hearing cells if it comes into contact with your ear canal. Try to avoid using hair dye or use it in a well-ventilated area.

22. Not Taking Care of Your Teeth

Oral health is linked to overall health, including hearing. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which can cause hearing loss if left untreated.

23. Using a Cotton Ball Too Deep Inside Ear

Using a cotton ball too deep inside your ear canal can cause damage to the eardrum. Only use cotton balls to clean the outer ear gently.

24. Ignoring Diabetes

Diabetes can lead to health problems such as hearing loss and vision loss. If you have diabetes, make sure to monitor your blood sugar levels and get frequent checkups with your doctor.

25. Not Taking Breaks from Noise

Continuous exposure to noise can cause temporary or even permanent hearing loss. Make sure to take breaks from loud environments and wear ear protection when necessary.

26. Not Wearing Swim Earplugs

Swimming in natural or chlorinated waters can cause water to become trapped in the ear, potentially leading to an ear infection that can cause hearing damage. Wear swim earplugs to prevent this from happening.

27. Ignoring Early Signs of Hearing Loss

If you notice any signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty hearing in noisy environments or ringing in your ears, get your hearing checked as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent further damage.

28. Not Getting Regular Hearing Checkups

You may not notice hearing damage until it’s too late. Regular hearing checkups can help catch problems early and prevent further damage.

29. Using Old or Damaged Headphones

If your headphones are old or damaged, they may not work correctly, causing you to turn up the volume to damaging levels. Replace them with new headphones that work correctly.

30. Ignoring Wax Buildup

If your ears produce too much wax, it can cause hearing loss and other problems. Make sure to clean your ears regularly and seek medical help if the buildup is excessive.