We often take our hearing for granted – until something goes wrong. But did you know that hearing loss is on the rise in the UK, especially among people under 70? According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), around 12 million people in the UK are currently living with hearing loss – and that number is expected to grow. The good news? Much of it is preventable.
The Silent Rise of Hearing Loss
While age-related hearing decline is natural, more and more people are experiencing hearing loss earlier in life due to noise exposure. From daily headphone use to noisy workplaces and concerts, our ears are constantly under strain.
Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels – the volume of a busy road – can cause irreversible damage over time. And because hearing loss often progresses gradually, many people don’t notice until it starts to affect their quality of life.
Common Myths About Ear Care
There are many misconceptions when it comes to looking after your ears. Let’s set the record straight:
“Cotton buds are safe for cleaning.”
Cotton buds can push wax deeper into the ear, increase infection risk, and even damage the eardrum. Your ears are self-cleaning – gentle wiping of the outer ear with a damp cloth is all that’s needed.
“Ear syringing is always the best solution.”
Not necessarily. Modern ear care has moved toward safer, more effective techniques like microsuction, which removes wax comfortably using gentle suction – no water required.
“If I can hear fine, my ears are healthy.”
Not always true. Hearing damage can build up slowly. Regular checks with an audiologist help catch issues early and keep your ears in top shape.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Protecting your hearing doesn’t have to be complicated. Try these tips:
- Turn it down: Use volume-limiting settings on headphones and keep the 60/60 rule – listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
- Use ear protection: Whether you’re at a concert, riding a motorcycle, or swimming regularly, custom ear moulds offer comfortable, reliable protection.
- Take listening breaks: If you’re around loud sounds, step away for 5-10 minutes to give your ears a rest.
- Get checked regularly: Hearing health is just as important as your eyesight or dental care. Routine ear checks help catch problems before they escalate.
A Proactive Approach to Ear Health
At Provide Wellbeing, we offer a range of audiology services designed to help you take control of your hearing health:
- Custom Ear Moulds
Whether you’re a swimmer, musician, or work in a noisy environment, our custom ear moulds are made to fit your ears perfectly and provide long-term protection from noise and water. A pair costs just £50, and they’re ready to take away in a single appointment. - Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
Safe, comfortable, and water-free, our microsuction service is a modern solution to stubborn earwax. It’s quick, effective, and performed by experienced audiologists.
Your hearing is precious – let’s help you keep it that way.
Book a consultation today or call us to find the best ear care option for you.
To book, call us on 0300 303 9966 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively, email us hello@providewellbeing.co.uk and we will respond within 24 hours. You can also book online at your convenience via our secure portal. Please note that not all of our appointments are published to the online booking system, as we often tailor our clinic times around our patients’ needs – so we recommend calling us for a wider range of appointment options.
For more information about our Custom Ear Moulds service and options available for you, please visit Provide Wellbeing’s dedicated webpage.
