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
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Pet Sitting Available
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I am a local mum who is mature, reliable, responsible, and hardworking. I have a 6 year-old, our pet cats are called Ruby and Iggy. I work as a Teacher Aide when I'm not pet-sitting.
I have been pet-sitting since December of 2022, I love animals. I am motivated to provide a friendly and genuine service for my customers and build positive relationships between clients of the human kind and the four-legged kind :D.
I am patient and caring, eager to work with all animals and breeds, and willing to walk animals in their normal environments. My skills include attention to detail, orderly and organised.
I live in Hastings but am willing to travel locally.
Pay rates for one animal (additional animals can be discussed)
Services:
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The duties I can offer are:
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*Feed, water, and walk animals according to schedule and feeding times.
*Can mix food, liquid formulas, medications, etc. according to the instructions.
*Happy to groom pets if needed.
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*Report to owners on how your beloved pets are doing.
*Examine and observe animals to detect illness, disease or injury signs.
Please feel free to contact me and ask questions or queries.
I look forward to hearing from you.
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