10 tips to prevent hearing loss
Your hearing is vital for learning, communication and safety yet you may not have thought much about the impact a hearing loss could have on your life. You may think that losing some sound wouldn’t be too bad but those with hearing loss will tell you it can be tiring, lonely and frustrating.
Hearing loss can be caused by many different things. It can happen gradually or quite suddenly. When hearing loss is gradual, it’s very easy to ignore - for a while. Always seek help quickly for any ear problems. Protecting your hearing now will increase your chances of enjoying the sounds you love later in life. Prevention is always better than a cure. And some hearing problems, such as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), currently have no cure.
Here are 10 tips to prevent hearing loss:
1. Get help
If you have a sudden severe hearing loss, see a doctor urgently. Also, if you have some hearing loss, and your hearing doesn’t return to normal within two days, see your doctor.
2. Avoid noise damage
Avoid prolonged or repeated exposure to loud noise. Learn more: Noise damage.
3. Avoid loud music
Listen to music at a sensible volume. Don’t have the volume up too loud for long periods, especially on a personal music player with headphones/ear buds.
4. Use protective gear
Always wear safety-approved earplugs or earmuffs when mowing the lawn, using power tools, shooting a gun or in any noisy environment.
5. Act on ear infections
If you or your child has an earache, see the doctor. Earaches are often a sign of an ear infection which, if not treated, can lead to hearing loss. Keep a careful eye on children up to age 10 as they are more likely to have middle ear problems.
6. Avoid foreign objects
Don’t put foreign objects into your ear canal. The wax in your ear canal will make its own way to your outer ear. You can clean your outer ear with a warm flannel, or have the wax removed by your doctor.
7. Avoid cotton wool
Don’t use cotton wool instead of earplugs. Cotton wool offers no hearing protection at all. It can also damage the ear if pushed too far in.
8. Use protection for water sports
During high-speed water sports like water skiing, wear a swim cap or approved swimmer’s earplugs.
9. Dive carefully
Too much change in air pressure while scuba diving can cause inner ear damage, dizziness and hearing loss. Equalise regularly during descent. If you are having difficulties seek professional advice before you dive again.
10. Avoid air travel with a heavy cold
In a plane, your ears may be unable to clear during changes in air pressure, which could lead to a ruptured eardrum or inner ear damage.
SOURCE: National Foundation for the Deaf Inc. & Oticon
Today’s Mind-Bender is the Last of the Year! Can You Guess It Before Everyone Else? 🌟🎁🌲
I dance in the sky with green and gold, a spectacle few are lucky to behold; I’m best seen in the south, a celestial sight—what am I, lighting up the New Zealand night?
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Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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9.8% Yes! New Year, New Me
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21.8% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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68.4% Nah - not for me
Keep safe and happy in Hawke’s Bay these holidays
As holiday-makers enjoy their time in the sunny Hawke’s Bay, Police have advice for both locals and visitors about how to ensure we head into 2026 on a high note.
Inspector Lincoln Sycamore, Hawke’s Bay Area Commander, says he wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable New Year in our region.
“We welcome you if you’re in Hawke’s Bay to enjoy the weather, food, and everything else our area has to offer. Respect each other, don’t overindulge and make good decisions. Don’t be ‘that person’ who ruins it for everyone.”
🔵 Staff deployed across Hawke’s Bay, to beaches, events and more
“Keep yourselves safe and look after each other,” says Inspector Sycamore.
There will be a strong Police presence in traditional holiday hotspots across our region, including our beautiful beaches.
We all have a responsibility to ensure our friends and loved ones are safe this summer, so keep an eye out and report any concerns you have.”
🔵 Visible presence on Hawke’s Bay roads: If you can’t follow road rules, expect to see red and blue in your rear-view.
Inspector Sycamore says officers will continue to be out on our roads, targeting unsafe drivers.
“Alcohol continues to be a factor in a number of crashes across the region, and we will continue to set up checkpoints and breath test drivers,” he says.
"Wear your seatbelt, don’t drink and drive, stay off your phone and make sure you’re rested."
🔵 When you’re shopping, we’ll be watching
As you flash your cash at the holiday sales, Police beat teams will be conducting routine patrols through retail areas right into the New Year.
Inspector Sycamore says officers will be checking in with local store workers and members of the community.
If you feel unsafe or have concerns about dangerous, illegal or suspicious behaviour, call Police on 111.
For non-urgent concerns you can call 105 or visit www.police.govt.nz... and report the incident online.
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