{
  "id": 48656,
  "title": "I’m an Audiologist—Here Are the Three Biggest Threats to Your Hearing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/im-an-audiologist-here-are-the-three-biggest-threats-to-your-hearing",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-02T16:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/im-audiologist-three-biggest-threats-hearing-12265391"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hearing loss affects millions of adults in the United States, often stemming from cumulative exposure to loud noises. Rachel Artsma, a senior audiologist at Hear.com, identifies three primary types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. Primary warning signs include muffled sounds, ringing in the ears, the need to raise volume, and difficulty with background noise.\n\nOne of the leading causes of hearing damage is the use of earbuds or headphones to listen to music at high volumes for extended periods. Artsma advises adhering to the 60/60 rule: keep the volume at 60% of its maximum and limit listening sessions to 60 minutes at a time. This precaution is particularly important when using earbuds on public transportation or in noisy environments, where the hair cells in the inner ear cannot regenerate once damaged.\n\nAnother surprising contributor to hearing loss is exposure to wind, especially while driving. The turbulence can create continuous loud noise that accumulates over time. Long commutes, combined with other sources of noise exposure, can significantly increase the risk of hearing stress. Additionally, hair drying, while seemingly harmless, should be considered as part of the overall noise exposure. Cumulative exposure from daily hair drying, combined with other activities like loud music, concerts, or noisy work environments, can have a substantial impact on hearing health.\n\nHair stylists and salon professionals are at an increased risk due to prolonged use of hairdryers and other tools, making them particularly vulnerable to hearing damage. Artsma emphasizes that not all hearing risks are obvious; even everyday appliances can pose a threat if used excessively. Prevention is crucial, as once the hair cells in the inner ear are damaged, they do not regenerate. Recognizing warning signs, such as ringing in the ears after exposure to loud noise, is essential. If these symptoms arise, they should not be dismissed as signs of aging or fatigue. Taking regular listening breaks, lowering volume levels, and embracing the natural sounds of the environment can help mitigate the risk of hearing loss. If concerns persist, contacting a healthcare professional is advisable.",
  "summary": "Three audiologists highlight the biggest threats to hearing health, with everyday habits posing significant risks. The first major threat is the use of earbuds or headphones, particularly when listening to loud music. The 60/60 rule is recommended, which involves keeping the volume at no more than 60 percent of its maximum and limiting listening sessions to about 60 minutes at a time. The second threat comes from the wind, especially when driving, as it can create constant noise that may reach harmful levels over time. Lastly, hair drying is also mentioned as a contributing factor to overall noise exposure, highlighting that the cumulative effect of various daily habits can lead to hearing damage.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}