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Monday, 19 October 2026dailybeirut.com
Health
Karen Shepherd of Boots Hearingcare recommends the 60/60 rule, keeping ears dry, and eating specific foods like bananas and dark chocolate to protect hearing.
Hearing preservation strategies include strict time limits on device usage and dietary adjustments. Karen Shepherd, an expert audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, advises limiting headphone use to 60 minutes daily while maintaining volume below 60 percent of maximum capacity. She also highlights the importance of keeping ears dry and consuming specific nutrients to support auditory health.
Shepherd emphasizes that excessive noise exposure drives hearing loss. Her recommendation involves implementing the "60/60" rule: restricting headphone sessions to one hour and capping volume at 60 percent. Users must pay particular attention to audio levels in noisy environments, where background sound often prompts individuals to increase volume, thereby elevating the risk of damage.
According to Shepherd, prolonged exposure to high decibel levels can harm the delicate structures of the inner ear. This damage may occur without immediate awareness, potentially leading to tinnitus and irreversible hearing loss. Common scenarios involving loud noises include music festivals, nightclubs, lawn mowing, hair drying, and power tool usage.
Keeping ears dry is critical to preventing infections such as "swimmer’s ear." Shepherd notes that excess moisture from swimming, showering, or sweating can lead to complications that might result in hearing loss. She advises drying only the external part of the ear and strictly avoiding inserting objects like cotton buds into the ear canal.
If water feels trapped, users should tilt their head and gently shake it. Creating movement in the canal by opening and closing the jaw can help dislodge fluid. Some individuals have anatomical features, such as tight bends or recesses in front of the eardrum, which make them prone to trapped water. For these cases, using swim plugs is advisable.
Symptoms including pain, itching, redness, or swelling indicate a need for professional assistance from a pharmacist or GP. Shepherd warns that untreated infections can escalate, underscoring the necessity of prompt medical attention when discomfort persists.
Lifestyle choices significantly impact vascular health, which extends to the ears. Shepherd suggests exercising daily, quitting smoking, and maintaining a balanced diet. While no food reverses existing damage, specific vitamins and minerals support blood flow and chemical balances within the inner ear.
Recommended foods include bananas for potassium, fish for omega-3 and vitamin D, garlic, broccoli for vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber, and dark chocolate for magnesium. Supplements containing folic acid, B vitamins, zinc, and other key nutrients may also be beneficial. However, individuals should consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting supplements, especially if taking other medications.
Regular monitoring of hearing levels is essential, similar to vision and dental care. Shepherd recommends establishing a baseline hearing level and checking it routinely. Online tests can serve as simple periodic checks.
Professional hearing tests should be booked at the first signs of difficulty. Indicators include frequently asking others to repeat themselves, increasing TV volume, or struggling to follow conversations in noisy settings. Early intervention helps keep hearing age young and prevents negative impacts on relationships and quality of life.
