Ten easy rules to help prevent hearing loss

1. If you suffer sudden and severe hearing loss, see a doctor urgently. If you have some hearing loss and your hearing does not return to normal within two days, see your doctor.

2. Do not put foreign objects into your ear canal.

3. During high-speed sports such as water skiing, wear a swimming cap or earplugs.

4. Avoid prolonged or repeated exposure to loud noise.

5. Always wear safety-approved earplugs or earmuffs when mowing the lawn, using power tools, shooting a gun, or in any noisy environment.

6. Too much change in air pressure while scuba diving can cause inner-ear damage, dizziness and hearing loss. Equalise regularly during descent.

7. Listen to music at a sensible volume.

8. Avoid flying if you have a heavy cold. Ears may be unable to clear during changes in air pressure and this could lead to a ruptured eardrum or inner-ear damage.

9. If you or your child have earache, see a doctor. Earaches are often a sign of an infection that can lead to hearing loss.

10. Do not use cottonwool instead of earplugs. Cottonwool can damage the ear if pushed in too far.

Further reading
nzherald.co.nz/health