Hear for Years: 7 Steps to Save Your Hearing After 60

Hearing loss becomes more common with age, but that doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. After 60, small daily habits can protect your hearing and prevent further damage. Over time, exposure to loud noise, wearing headphones, and even certain health factors can gradually affect how well you hear. You might notice signs like needing to turn up the volume, struggling to follow conversations, or experiencing ringing in your ears. Protecting your hearing now can help you stay connected to conversations, music, and everyday moments. 

1. Monitor Your Volume

Be mindful of how loud your devices are, including headphones, TVs, and phones. Listening at high volumes for long periods can damage your hearing over time. A helpful guideline is the 60:60 rule: listen at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time.

2. Know When It’s Too Loud

It’s not always obvious when noise levels are harmful. Watch for these signs:

• You need to raise your voice to be heard
• You have to move closer than a few feet to hear someone
• Your hearing sounds muffled after leaving the area
• Your ears hurt or ring after exposure

If you notice any of these, it’s a sign to lower the volume or step away.

3. Wear Hearing Protection

If you’re around loud environments, protect your ears with earplugs or earmuffs. This is especially important for activities like concerts, using power tools, mowing the lawn, or attending sporting events.

4. Avoid Inserting Objects Into Your Ears

It may be tempting to use cotton swabs or other objects to clean your ears, but this can push wax deeper or damage your eardrum. Stick to safer cleaning methods or consult a healthcare professional if needed.

5. Get Regular Hearing Tests

Routine hearing tests can help catch changes early. If you’ve never had one, start with a baseline test and follow up annually or as recommended by your doctor.

6. Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise supports healthy blood flow and oxygen levels, which are important for maintaining inner ear function. Even light activities like walking can make a difference.

7. Support Your Body With Key Nutrients

Certain nutrients play a role in hearing health. Focus on maintaining healthy levels of:

• Vitamin B12
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Iron

Talk to your doctor about the best ways to support your nutrient intake through diet or supplements.