10 Practical Ways to Keep Your Ears Healthy for Life: How to protect your hearing before problems start

10 Practical Ways to Keep Your Ears Healthy

Simple habits that protect your hearing before problems start

Overview    |    Ten practical things you can do now    |    Key takeaways    |    Conclusion 

Last Hearing Aid UK Update:  07/01/2026

Overview

We're all reasonably good at the basics of staying healthy, such as eating properly, moving our bodies, and getting enough sleep. But when was the last time you actually thought about your ears?

Most people don't give them a second thought until something goes wrong, which is rather unfortunate because many hearing problems are entirely preventable.

Your ears are remarkably resilient, but they're not indestructible, as noise exposure, poor habits, and simple neglect can all contribute to hearing loss later in life, and once that damage is done, it's permanent.

The good news is that looking after your ears doesn't require anything complicated or time-consuming.

Just a few sensible habits can make a real difference to preserving your hearing for decades to come.  Here are ten practical things you can do to maintain good ear health, starting today.

1. Turn the volume down

If you're like most people, you listen to music through headphones or earphones regularly, for instance on your commute, at the gym, or whilst working. The problem is that most of us have the volume far too loud without realising it.

Follow the 60/60 rule: listen for a maximum of 60 minutes at a maximum volume of 60%, which gives your ears a fighting chance. Prolonged exposure to loud sound through headphones is one of the main contributors to noise-induced hearing loss, and it's entirely preventable. The quieter you can comfortably listen to your music, the better it is for your long-term hearing.

There's another issue with earphones that people don't often consider, which is that they prevent your ears' natural cleaning cycle. Earwax that would normally shed and work its way out can get stuck in the ear canal instead, leading to blockages and potential infections. Yet another reason to give your ears regular breaks from being plugged up.

2. Wear hearing protection when you need it

Any noise over 85 decibels can cause permanent damage to your hearing if you're exposed to it for long enough. To put that in perspective, 85 decibels is roughly the level of heavy traffic or a food blender. And the louder the noise, the shorter the safe exposure time becomes, which is why hearing protection matters.

This isn't just about construction workers or musicians; if you attend live music events, work with power tools, ride a motorcycle, or participate in shooting sports, you're exposing your ears to potentially damaging noise levels.  Even your lawnmower can push 90 decibels.

There are various types of hearing protection available, from basic foam plugs to custom-moulded options that provide the best level of protection whilst still allowing you to hear speech and enjoy music. Custom hearing protection is particularly worth considering if you're regularly in noisy environments, as they give you more comfort over long periods of wear.

Related reading:  How to protect your hearing

3. Maintain basic ear hygiene 

Your ears need cleaning, but probably not in the way you think. Gently use a damp flannel to clean around the outside of your ear, including around any piercings; that's all the cleaning your ears actually need from you.

Do not use cotton buds to clean inside your ears, as cotton buds push wax further into your ear canal rather than removing it, potentially causing blockages or even damaging your eardrum. Your ears are self-cleaning, so they don't need your help with the inside areas.

4. Don't poke your ears with anything

Your ears contain remarkably delicate components that enable you to hear, such as the eardrum, which is thinner than a sheet of paper. The tiny bones in your middle ear are the smallest in your entire body. You can do serious damage by poking around in there with objects that seem harmless.

Avoid using any of those online ear-cleaning gadgets, such as ear cameras, wax removal spirals, or anything else promising to take away earwax. The reality is that they're not regulated medical devices, and they have the potential to cause real harm.

If you think there's something wrong with your ears or you're experiencing a blockage, seek professional help rather than attempting DIY removal.

5. Use custom water earplugs if you swim regularly

If you swim regularly or enjoy the occasional dip, you may be at risk of developing swimmer's ears, which is medically known as otitis externa. This is an infection caused when water gets trapped in your ear canal, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria thrive.

The symptoms are unpleasant: pain, itching, and sometimes discharge from the ear, and they can keep you out of the water for weeks whilst it clears up.

Custom swimming earplugs keep your ears dry and free from bacteria, which is particularly important if you're swimming multiple times a week.

Custom-moulded water protection fits your ears perfectly, stays in place, and doesn't feel intrusive once you're used to them.

6. Apply sunscreen to your ears 

When you're applying sunscreen, don't forget your ears. The tops of your ears, your lobes, and the skin behind your ears all get sun exposure and can develop skin cancer just like any other exposed area of your body.

Make sure you cover these areas thoroughly, avoiding getting any sunscreen actually inside the ear canal. If you notice any unusual bumps, changes in skin texture, or moles on or around your ears, get them checked by your GP.

Skin cancer on the ear is more common than you might think, particularly for people who work outdoors or spend a lot of time in the sun.

7. Manage stress 

This might seem like odd advice in an article, but stress genuinely impacts your hearing. Chronic stress can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, making that ringing or buzzing sound considerably worse.

It can also affect the delicate blood vessels in your ears, potentially causing long-term damage to your hearing health.

Stress causes your body to produce cortisol and adrenaline, which can restrict blood flow to your ears. Less blood flow means less oxygen reaching those important hair cells in your inner ear, which can damage them over time.

Whilst managing stress is easier said than done, it's worth making an effort, for your ears as well as your general wellbeing.

Related reading:  How stress affects your ears

8. Watch out for wax build-up

Earwax is your ear's natural defence system, capturing bacteria and debris before they can cause problems. It's supposed to be there, and in most cases, it works perfectly well on its own, gradually making its way out of your ear canal without any intervention needed from you.

However, sometimes earwax builds up to levels that need addressing; for instance, you might notice your ears feeling blocked, temporary hearing loss, or an earache. Some people simply produce more wax than others, or have ear canals that don't allow wax to migrate out naturally.

If you're experiencing these symptoms, see a qualified wax removal clinician or audiologist who can safely remove the blockage. Don't attempt to deal with it yourself, as you'll likely make things worse. Professional wax removal is quick, painless, and immediately effective.

9. Recognise the warning signs of hearing loss

Hearing loss often goes unnoticed until the symptoms become quite severe, partly because it usually develops gradually, as you adapt to small changes without realising what's happening. It's also because the people around you might be more aware of your hearing difficulties than you are.

The earlier hearing loss is identified, the more options you have for managing it. This is why knowing the signs matters, both for yourself and for loved ones you might be concerned about.

Common warning signs include difficulty hearing people clearly in noisy environments, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, turning the television volume up higher than others find comfortable, and finding phone conversations surprisingly difficult. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, it's worth getting your hearing tested.

Related reading:  5 signs you might need a hearing test

10. Have regular hearing checks

Just as you have your eyes tested every couple of years, you should be doing the same with your hearing. Regular hearing tests can catch irregularities early on, before they develop into more significant problems.

This is especially important for people over 50, when the risk of hearing loss increases considerably. By age 50, around 40% of people have some degree of hearing loss. By 70, that figure rises to 70%. Regular monitoring means you can track changes over time and take action if needed.

Hearing tests are straightforward, painless, and usually free through the NHS or at private hearing providers, like us. There's genuinely no reason not to get your hearing checked every year or two, particularly as you get older. It's a small time investment that could make a significant difference to your quality of life.

Key takeaways

✔️ Follow the 60/60 rule with headphones: 60 minutes maximum at 60% volume, then give your ears a rest.

✔️ Wear hearing protection for anything over 85 decibels - live music, power tools, motorcycling, lawn mowing, or any prolonged loud noise exposure.

✔️ Never use cotton buds inside your ears. They push wax deeper rather than removing it, potentially causing damage. Your ears are self-cleaning.

✔️ Avoid DIY ear cleaning gadgets advertised online. If you have a wax blockage or ear problems, see a qualified professional rather than attempting to fix it yourself.

✔️ Protect your ears from water if you swim regularly. Custom swimming plugs prevent swimmer's ear infections.

✔️ Apply sunscreen to your ears when in the sun - tops, lobes, and behind the ears all need protection from skin cancer.

✔️ Manage stress levels where possible. Chronic stress exacerbates tinnitus and can restrict blood flow to your ears, potentially causing long-term damage.

✔️ Get professional help for earwax build-up. Qualified audiologists can remove blockages safely and immediately.

✔️ Know the warning signs of hearing loss: difficulty in noisy places, asking people to repeat themselves, high TV volume, and struggling with phone calls.

✔️ Have regular hearing tests every 1-2 years, especially over 50 when hearing loss risk increases to 40%, rising to 70% by age 70.

Conclusion

Most hearing problems are preventable, but once damage is done to those delicate hair cells in your inner ear, it's permanent. The habits you develop now, in your twenties, thirties, forties, directly affect your hearing in your sixties, seventies, and beyond.

If you're noticing any signs of hearing difficulties, or if it's been a while since you had your hearing tested, booking an appointment is the sensible next step.

Early intervention makes a genuine difference to outcomes, and there's considerably more that can be done now than most people realise.