Hearing loss has become increasingly common due to lifestyle habits such as prolonged exposure to loud sounds, earphones, and urban noise. While most people overlook early symptoms, medical experts warn that neglecting ear health can lead to serious consequences including accelerated cognitive decline and memory issues.
According to Dr Manan Vora, an orthopaedic surgeon, health educator, and co-founder of NutriByte Wellness, our ears actually age faster than the rest of the body. In a recent video shared on Instagram, he explained that consistent exposure to loud environments, traffic, and high-volume music can cause damage to the inner ear hair cells responsible for detecting sound frequencies. Once damaged, these cells do not regenerate, leading to permanent hearing loss over time.
Dr Vora highlights that hearing tests using high-frequency tones can help assess how young or old your ears are. “Many people don’t realise it, but your hearing can give away your true age. If you can detect higher frequencies, your ears are in better shape,” he said. He mentioned being able to hear up to 16,500 Hz at age 32, showing that ear health can be measured beyond standard hearing checks.
He also emphasized that hearing loss is not just a sound-related issue but can have neurological impacts. Research shows untreated hearing loss can contribute to cognitive decline, social isolation, and even faster brain ageing.
To help preserve hearing and protect ear health, Dr Vora shared four preventive tips that everyone should follow:
- Reduce headphone volume — Keep your listening levels moderate to avoid ear damage.
- Take listening breaks — Give your ears rest after long listening sessions.
- Maintain proper sleep and hydration — Poor lifestyle habits can affect ear blood flow and health.
- Address early symptoms — Don’t ignore signs like ringing, buzzing, or muffled hearing.
Dr Vora urges people to take hearing protection seriously, noting that prevention is the key to maintaining both hearing and brain health as we age.