Continuous exposure to excessive noise has been proven to do irrevocable damage to the ear. As we go about our daily lives, little do we realize that we may be subjecting our ears to sound levels that exceed the 85-decibel safety limit. According to the World Health Organization, almost 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe use of smartphones and exposure to damaging levels of sound at noisy venues.

To prevent possible or further damage to your hearing, follow these simple yet effective tips:

• Lower the volume of television, radio and media players, especially when wearing headphones.
• Avoid using multiple noisy household appliances at the same time.
• Wear ear protection while working in a high-volume environment or using loud equipment that creates sound levels exceeding 85 decibels.
• Do not use cotton swabs as they may lead to inadvertent eardrum damage or cause an increase in wax production.