Preserving Your Hearing: Strategies for a Healthier Life

Hey there, fellow earthlings! I wanna talk to you about the importance of taking care of your hearing. Now, I know you might think that hearing loss is just something that happens to old folks, but let me tell you, it can happen to anyone. The World Health Organization says that over a billion young people are at risk of losing their hearing because of too much noise. That's a big deal, and it's something we gotta take seriously.

1. I must stress the importance of addressing the problem of ear-unfriendly Urban Planning and noise pollution in our cities. The way in which urban areas are designed and constructed frequently ignores the negative effects of excessive noise on both human and animal health and well-being. This can lead to hearing loss and other negative consequences for our communities. It is crucial that we prioritize the creation of more peaceful and quiet environments in order to improve the health and quality of life for all beings. For instance in LA there are literally areas where birds can't have a stable sleep do to electric cables making high frequency noise that we do not hear.
2. Definitely void listening to music/sound at loud volumes. It's critical to maintain a fair volume level when listening to music because prolonged exposure to loud music can lead to hearing damage. In fact, studies have shown that excessive noise exposure can even cause permanent damage to the auditory nerve, leading to hearing loss. It can also be beneficial to use noise-canceling headphones when in loud places to reduce background noise and safeguard your hearing. Never once have I seen someone crank the volume up to 200%. It's completely unacceptable, especially for teenagers or those who are already starting to lose their hearing. I've even known someone who thinks they're being sneaky by whispering mean things about others behind their back, but little do they know that the people they're talking about can still hear them. Talk about awkward.
3. I strongly recommend using noise-cancelling headphones to protect your hearing. The Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds, in particular, have proven effective at reducing background noise for me personally while still allowing to hear important sounds, such as cars in close proximity or the person next to you in a crowded bar. By using these earbuds, I communicate with others without having to raise my voice, even in noisy environments. So, if you see me wearing noise-cancelling headphones, you'll know that I'm taking care of my hearing and being considerate of those around me. Geez, it's like I'm the only one in my family with any common sense.
4. It's also essential to take regular breaks. Prolonged usage of headphones can result in hearing loss, so avoid doing so. Plan regular pauses and rest periods for your ears. Many of my friends who work as composers, sound designers, and colleagues sometimes become so immersed in their work that they are unable to stop, claiming that they lack the time. However, you guys need to organize your schedule as best you can because failing to do so puts your most valuable asset—your hearing—at serious risk. I mean, come on, do you want to end up like my grandpa? He had tinnitus in one ear barely heard others It's a nightmare.
5. Another way to reduce the risk of hearing loss is to avoid smoking. Yeah, you heard me! If you want to keep your ears in top condition, stay away from those cancer sticks. Apparently, smoking can cause hearing loss and make you go deaf faster. Smokers are more likely to experience hearing loss at a younger age than non-smokers. If you are a smoker, quitting smoking can help to reduce your risk of developing hearing problems.
6. Monitoring the condition of your hearing is crucial. Make sure you get a hearing exam at least once a year to catch any problems early. And get this - regular hearing tests can even help detect early signs of conditions like tinnitus and Meniere's disease, which can both cause hearing loss. So don't neglect your auditory health. It's important for your overall well-being.

Listen up, people! You gotta take care of those ears if you wanna keep on rockin' out and saving the world. It's easy - just follow these tips and you'll be good to go. But if you don't, well, I guess in a decade or so you can just get yourself a new pair of 3D printed ears or maybe even implant a brain chip sooner that would be linked to some kind of microphones. Either way, don't neglect your ear health!

by Dmitrii Miachin