If you’re someone who always has earphones on, whether it’s for Netflix, Spotify, or Zoom calls, your ears are working overtime. Listening to audio at high volume for long hours, especially over 85 decibels, can damage your inner ear over time. Some early signs include:

• Turning up the volume higher than usual 
• Having trouble catching what people say in noisy cafés 
• Hearing a slight ringing or buzzing after concerts or long earphone sessions 

In Malaysia, it’s common for young adults to listen to music while driving, studying, or at the gym. But few realise that small habits like these can add up.

Tip: Try using the 60-60 rule. Listen at no more than 60% volume for 60 minutes at a time. You should also get your hearing checked every 1 to 2 years, especially if you often use earphones or work in loud places.

Noise exposure is not just a factory issue. Many Malaysians in construction, manufacturing, teaching, or F&B face constant background noise that slowly affects their hearing.

If you work at a site where machines, blenders, or music are blasting for hours, your ears are under stress. Even teachers in busy classrooms or café staff surrounded by chatter and coffee machines may be at risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, also known as NIHL. You might notice:

• Needing to ask colleagues to repeat themselves 
• Feeling tired after long noisy shifts 
• Having muffled hearing at the end of the day 

Not many people know this, but pregnancy can also affect your hearing. Hormonal changes and fluid retention may sometimes cause a sense of blocked ears or mild ringing.

In certain cases, conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational hypertension may affect blood flow to the inner ear, leading to temporary hearing difficulties. If you’re expecting, pay attention to:

• Persistent ear blockage 
• Sudden changes in how you hear 
• Dizziness or ringing sounds 

Always inform your doctor or audiologist. Even mild symptoms are worth checking.